In April, work to begin on first aircraft carrier

India will join the select band of three countries that have the capability to manufacture heavy aircraft carriers when Defence Minister Pra...

India will join the select band of three countries that have the capability to manufacture heavy aircraft carriers when Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee launches construction of the 37,500-tonne displacement indigenous carrier in Kochi on April 11.

The carrier, designed to operate a mix of Russian Mig-29K, naval version of the light combat aircraft, Sea Harriers, advance light helicopters and anti-submarine and maritime reconnaissance Kamov-31 helicopters, is expected to be delivered in 2012, Vice-Admiral Yashwant Prasad, Vice-Chief of the Naval Staff, said. ‘‘With this, India will join an elite group of countries with the capability. This is among the most complex warship designs.’’ So far, only France, US and UK have the capability.

There is general agreement in the Navy that at least two carriers are needed for both seaboards — that will happen only in 2012 when the ADS joins the Admiral Gorshkov in Indian waters, a matter currently under the scrutiny of Naval headquarters. The Indian Navy currently operates the over 40-year-old INS Viraat and in 2008 will be replaced by the INS Vikramaditya (Admiral Gorshkov). The Vice Chief also indicated the ADS would possibly be followed up by another home-grown carrier to take the strength to three.

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The tenders for landing aids and other deck-based equipment will be floated in 2006. The ship’s twin gas-turbine propulsion system has been decided on in consultation with Italian firm Fincantieri. The Navy will shortly be sending its build strategy to the Italian firm for its opinion before formalising the plan, and is expected to be ready by June this year.

When ready, the 252 metre-long vessel will accommodate 160 officers and about 1,400 crew and is likely to be based out of the Karwar mega-base the Navy is building under Project Seabird.