The Ministry of Defence has finalized a substantial contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of the INS Vikramaditya, the Indian Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier. Signed on November 30, 2024, the contract, valued at ₹1207.5 crore, aims to strengthen India’s naval capabilities and enhance the carrier’s readiness for combat. This project is also poised to make significant contributions to the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
INS Vikramaditya was commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2013 and serves as a vital asset within India’s maritime defense framework. The dry docking and refit will be conducted at Cochin Shipyard Limited, where essential maintenance and upgrades will take place. The enhancements expected from this project are set to significantly improve the aircraft carrier’s operational capabilities. Upon completion, INS Vikramaditya will be fully prepared to rejoin the active fleet, enabling it to undertake its strategic and tactical missions with heightened efficiency.
Originally constructed in 1987 as Baku for the Soviet Navy, the vessel was later renamed Admiral Gorshkov. After serving the Russian Navy until its decommissioning in 1996, India acquired the vessel in 2004. Following extensive retrofitting efforts, it was re-commissioned as INS Vikramaditya in 2013, marking its transformation into a modern aircraft carrier. The carrier boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 284 meters in length and featuring a draught of 10 meters. It is equipped to carry MiG-29K fighter jets and various helicopters, and it is armed with state-of-the-art weaponry, including anti-ship missiles, guided bombs, rockets, and air-to-air missiles.
This refit project highlights Cochin Shipyard Limited’s emerging prominence as a hub for Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) activities, crucial for advancing India’s defense industrial ecosystem. The project will engage around 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), generating employment opportunities for over 3,500 skilled workers. It positions CSL as a leader in fostering naval modernization and enhancing self-reliance in defense technology.
The SRDD initiative aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities within the defense sector. By integrating Indian industries and MSMEs into this project, it reinforces the principles of self-reliance and innovation—core principles of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
INS Vikramaditya stands as a symbol of India’s maritime strength, and this refit not only upgrades its combat potential but also represents a significant step forward in India’s pursuit of defense self-sufficiency. With Cochin Shipyard Limited leading the initiative, the project is anticipated to enhance the nation’s ability to maintain and modernize its naval fleet, while simultaneously creating substantial economic and strategic benefits for the country.
