India’ largest aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya reaches Karwar naval base

India’ largest aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya reaches Karwar naval base

Mangalore Today News Network

Karwar, Jan 9, 2014:  India’s latest and prestigious aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya has finally reached  the Kadamba Naval Base at Karwar which is developed to berth a vessel of this size. The  largest warship of India  was supposed to come to India five years  ago, but has arrived five years behind schedule.

   

The 284 meter long  warship can accommodate 1600 sailors. The warship was readied at a cost of Rs 14260crores  as per an agreement with Russia in the year 2004.  INS Vikramaditya had begun its voyage to India from Russia on November 16 last year after it was formally inducted by Union Defence Minister AK Antony.

The warship can  park as many as 40 fighter aircrafts at a time and will play a crucial role in safeguarding the  Goa and Karnataka  coastline of western coast which is at a striking distance from Pakistan.The aircraft carrier is expected to take at least three to four months to get integrated in the force, they said.

Naval sources said Vikramaditya will also play a significant role in protecting the major oil reservoirs of the coastal belt as well as other industries in times of emergencies like war.

India’s hitherto best warship INS Virat  which is aging is  likely to be decommissioned once Vikramaditya takes over its responsibilities.