ST. PETERSBURG — A Russian-built aircraft carrier refitted for the Indian navy has set sail for final sea trials prior to handover, a senior Russian defense industry official said Wednesday, five years after it was originally due to be delivered and more than twice over budget.
The Vikramaditya, formerly the Admiral Gorshkov, which has been refitted at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia, is due to he handed over in Fall 2013. A mixed Russian-Indian crew is on board the warship while the Indian sailors learn how to operate the vessel.
"The warship departed for sea trials early Wednesday in line with the schedule," said Igor Sevastyanov, deputy head of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
