March 21, 2002

/LOK SABHA/

'33'

CONSTRUCTION OF AIRCRAFT CARRIER

    Presently, the Indian Navy has one Aircraft Carrier viz. INS Viraat in its service against the requirement of two operational Aircraft Carriers. In May, 1999, the Government had approved the indigenous construction of an Air Defence Ship (ADS) of around 24000 tons displacement at Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL), Kochi. Taking into consideration the prevailing security scenario, the Navy have reassessed their requirement and have proposed building a larger (ADS) (approximately 37,500 MT) which is expected to enter service after 2011. This is under active consideration of the Government. In addition to the ADS, a proposal for acquisition of "Admiral Gorshkov", an Aircraft Carrier, from Russia is under consideration of Government. An investment decision on the acquisition of "Admiral Gorshkov" has not yet been taken.

    This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Dr. (Shrimati) C. Suguna Kumari and Shri A. Narendra in Lok Sabha today.