Hmm, where have we head this before? India close to inking deal on Gorshkov..

I’ll believe it when I see it.
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Date Posted: 21-Nov-2003

JANE’S DEFENCE WEEKLY – NOVEMBER 26, 2003

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India poised to ink Russian carrier deal
Rahul Bedi JDW Correspondent
New Delhi

India was expected to finalise the $1.65 billion deal for the 44,500-tonne Kiev-class aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov and 20-25 MiG-29K ground attack/interceptor aircraft as Jane’s Defence Weekly went to press. The deal was due to be concluded during Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov’s two-day visit to New Delhi starting 26 November.

Indian defence sources said closing the protracted talks for the damaged aircraft carrier, which Russia is providing for the cost of its refit – estimated at about $600 million – was delayed by over three years following differences of about $100 million over its repair bill.

India signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia to acquire the Gorshkov during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in 2000. The delay has deferred the associated lease-purchase by the Indian Navy (IN) of two Akula (Bars)-class Type 971 nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) and four Tu-22M strategic bomber/maritime strike aircraft. This deal will be hastened after the agreement for the Gorshkov is inked, official sources said.

Russia had linked India’s purchase of the carrier to leasing the IN the SSNs and the strategic bombers (JDW 29 January). The Sevmashpredpriyatiye shipyard in Severodvinsk will carry out the Gorshkov’s repair and upgrade during the next four to five years.

IN sources said the Gorshkov would replace the Hermes-class aircraft carrier INS Viraat.

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