October 28, 2013: The erstwhile Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier enters a new phase of its extended life on November 16 at Severodvinsk, Russia, when it is commissioned into the Indian Navy. The Vikramaditya will immediately become the largest ship the Indian Navy has ever operated, and will join service with the Western Fleet at Karwar in January. It's arrival comes just days short of a decade since the refurbishment contract was signed between the former NDA Government and Russia.

The Vikramaditya will operate from Karwar, and take on board MiG-29Ks from the Black Panthers squadron currently operational and training at INS Hansa, Goa. The ship was recently inspected by the Indian Navy's commissioning crew, led by Commodore Suraj Berry, who will be the ship's first Indian commanding officer. The Indian Navy, sources say, plans to make a documentary film on the entire effort to bring the erstwhile Admiral Gorshkov 'aviation cruiser' back to life.