The government has finally come on the record about the INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov) refurbishment programme at the Sevmash shipyard in North-Western Russia. A short, terse statement was provided by the Defence Minister to Parliament today. Here it is:
“The overall progress of repair and re-equipping of the ship, ex-Admiral Gorshkov, in Russia is slow. The Russian side has submitted a revised Master Schedule indicating a delay in the project. The Russian side has attributed the delays to “Growth of Work”. In order to supervise the project for repair and re-equipping of the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (earlier called Admiral Gorshkov), an apex level committee under Defence Secretary and a Steering Committee under a Vice Admiral have been set up. A team has also been stationed at the shipyard where the repair and re-equipping work is going on. From time to time, teams comprising senior officers are also sent to monitor progress of the project. The matters are also taken up between the two countries at appropriate level.”Govt admits to Gorshkov nonsense
The government has finally come on the record about the INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov) refurbishment programme at the Sevmash shipyard in North-Western Russia. A short, terse statement was provided by the Defence Minister to Parliament today. Here it is:
“The overall progress of repair and re-equipping of the ship, ex-Admiral Gorshkov, in Russia is slow. The Russian side has submitted a revised Master Schedule indicating a delay in the project. The Russian side has attributed the delays to “Growth of Work”. In order to supervise the project for repair and re-equipping of the aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (earlier called Admiral Gorshkov), an apex level committee under Defence Secretary and a Steering Committee under a Vice Admiral have been set up. A team has also been stationed at the shipyard where the repair and re-equipping work is going on. From time to time, teams comprising senior officers are also sent to monitor progress of the project. The matters are also taken up between the two countries at appropriate level.”
Seriously, what else do you expect? What are the option availble, if not to trod to russian line, after makeing fool of themselves accepting the “FREE GIFT”!
Just hope it is not too much difference we have to pay, for all the nonsense committed my BJP govt.
Buraidiah.
Shiv:
The myth of a “special” Indo-Russian relationship has been truly blown away now. The history of Indo-Soviet military cooperation can be summarised as a relationship determined by Indian military needs, Soviet opportunism, and fueled by Western ambivalence. It then experienced a tectonic shift since the end of Cold War – from Indian needs and Soviet opportunism to Russian economic needs and Indian military needs and opportunism. The paradigm is again changing now with the new Russian resurgence. You may like to check my post on the subject.
Shiv:
The myth of a “special” Indo-Russian relationship has been truly blown away now. The history of Indo-Soviet military cooperation can be summarised as a relationship determined by Indian military needs, Soviet opportunism, and fueled by Western ambivalence. It then experienced a tectonic shift since the end of Cold War – from Indian needs and Soviet opportunism to Russian economic needs and Indian military needs and opportunism. The paradigm is again changing now with the new Russian resurgence. You may like to check my post on the subject.
The deals stinks. But it is not new. Take the case of t90 deal. T72 + active protection+ Thermal sights+ Missile = T90. It is also demonstrated like that. But when the order is placed it is less Active protection, less missiles and less Thermal sights – all have to be paid extra. So what one got T72 with blotted price more than double the price of T72 for the same T72. It is better the army go global tender for the rest of the requirements. Today everyone is willing to offer and with the kind of numbers we are willing to buy from Russians, it may be possible to negotiate and get a better tank and a better deal. If Airforce can go global for 126 MRCA why Army is shying away? See the competition MRCA has brought in. Instead of justifying it as best ( all of us know it has hazar problems) let us get the best for the money we pay and we get a better eq to fight.
Shiv,
When do you plan to put up the future MBT 2020 details on the blog?
Wow new News……..Russian have upped the ant..nay BILL by $1.2B, BLOODY George Fernandis..
Buraidiah
I suppose there is nothing wrong with India agreeing to pay 5% for cost escalation. But on the same time, India should charge 10% for any slippage in the delay of the delivered goods as many corporates do. If there are any fault in the bought things, then it should charge 1% of the value every week till the issues are solved.
The second hand aircraft carrier is not a new thing in Indian Navy, we always had second hand aircraft carriers.
And all military projects around the world suffer time and cost overruns.
I am just waiting for the excellent journalistic responce on what ever delays the proposed, MMRCA, 17 A, fifth generation etc. etc. projects will face 😀
It is obvious that the defence ministry had a fat wad of cash for this carrier, why should they loose out, the rest of them have had a field day since forever.
Just out of the blue do we import the defence ministry, i mean to blame elected officials is like blaming ourselves, and the administrators are not from Russia either.
I just hope the government can utilize this money being thrown at russia to screw out some favourable business deals for our private sector, ot atleast disount for tourists.