News reported that India has paid an additional $102 million to Russia in order to speed up the refit project of Vikramaditya, INS (Admiral Gorshkov). The refit project is going on at Sevmash shipyard in north Russia. India has now paid 62 per cent of the original deal of $964 million but Russian side has kept on raising its demand on the pretext of cost overrun. Now indicates that the deal is expected to be finalised somewhere closer to $2.2 billion instead of $2.9 billion. News also indicates that India has showed interest to purchase the air elements of the carrier. It has already purchased 16 MiG-29K fighters as well as intends to purchase more from Russia. The delivery schedule of the carrier is fixed by 20121.

• 1. India Pays Additional USD 102 million for Speedier INS Vikramaditya Delivery” on May 4, 2009, at http://www.india-defence.com/reports/4418