A day after the Indian navy upgraded its second-in-command to the rank of vice admiral at the Visakhapatnam-based Eastern Command and minister of external affairs SM Krishna said that India was closely monitoring the reported presence of Chinese troops on the India-Pakistan Line of Control, the Chinese state-owned news agency Xinhua has reported that the Chinese aircraft carrier is ready to launch for her sea trials. Xinhua has also released photographs of the carrier, which at present is called Varyag.
Retired vice admiral Pradeep Kaushiva told DNA that a Chinese aircraft carrier is not a cause for worry, but a matter to be taken serious note of by all maritime players. “A full-fledged operational deployment of a carrier battle group by China would be a very major strategic change in the maritime scenario. However, from the date of first acquisition to full-fledged deployment and for capabilities and concepts to be developed takes time.”
The 32,000 ton warship with a length of around 1,000 feet, is originally a Russian Kuznetsov-class ship, which was auctioned in 1992 and bought by China from Ukraine, and has since been under refit at the Dalian shipyard. The aircraft carrier will most likely operate the J-11 naval fighter jets from its deck. China had unveiled it first fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft, the J-20, in January this year, an event that was closely watched by the world.
The Varyag will most probably be re-named Shi Lang, after a
senior Chinese admiral. The news agency photos show the warship in Chinese colours, indicating that she is ready for sea trials. After trials, the warship is likely to be operational by 2015.
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