INS Vikramaditya to berth at Karwar next year

As the INS Vikramaditya, formerly Admiral Gorshkov commences sea trails in the White Sea; the Indian Naval base INS Kadamba at Karwar is bracing up to welcome Russian built aircraft carrier once it reaches the Indian shores early next year.

Navy sources told DNA that the aircraft carrier will be based at the INS Kadamba after it is handed over to the Indian Navy and that preparations are underway to house the INS Vikramaditya which will be the Navy’s second aircraft carrier after the INS Viraat. With the arrival of the aircraft carrier the Naval Station will also become a major airbase with a majority of the navy’s air components based there.

“The INS Kadamba is one of the biggest naval stations not just in India but Asia. Expansion of the base is currently on. Phase I expansion of the base has been completed. Phase II Alpha expansion is expected to commence soon and would pave way for berthing upto 32 ships from the current 22 ships,” said the Official.