5. INS Vikramaditya
Transforming a Soviet-era Kiev-class aviation cruiser into a modern fixed-wing aircraft carrier, India's flagship carrier stands among the most successful carrier conversion projects ever performed. The ship's flight deck was totally rebuilt, new propulsion systems were installed, and contemporary fighting systems were integrated into the design. Now with a skijump-assisted Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system, the 45,400-ton carrier can operate with MiG-29K fighters and several rotary aircraft. Comprising eight boilers and four shafts, the ship's propulsion system has an operational range more than 7,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of thirty knots. Comprehensive situational awareness and defensive capability come from advanced radar systems like the ELTA EL/M-2238 3D air search radar and Rezist-E electronic warfare suite. Usually including 26 MiG-29K fighters, Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters, and Ka-28 anti-submarine warfare helicopters, the carrier's air wing is Modernised crew facilities and sophisticated automated systems help to sustain 1,600 staff. Modern command and control systems in the ship's combat information centre allow for easy connection with Indian Navy task formations and provide real-time tactical picture compilation.
