Article Posted on : - Jun 13, 2014

INS Vikramaditya. An Indian Navy photo

PANAJI (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to sail on India's largest warship and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya off the coast of Goa in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, his first visit after assuming office last month.

"The Prime Minister would be embarking on the 'carrier at sea' by helicopter and is likely to witness a host of exercises by the frontline warships and aircraft of the Navy," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

This is the Prime Minister's first visit outside Delhi after taking over on May 26.

During his stay on the 44,500-tonne Vikramaditya, acquired from Russia for over Rs 15,000 crore, Modi would witness 'air power demonstration' by various naval aircraft, including MiG-29K, Sea Harriers, P 8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft, TU 142M and IL-38SD maritime surveillance planes along with Kamov and Sea King helicopters.

He will also witness high-speed manoeuvres by the Navy's Western Fleet ships including aircraft carrier INS Viraat, Delhi-class destroyers and Talwar-class frigates.

The Prime minister will also witness the take-off and 'arrestor wire landing operations' and high-speed low-level operations of MiG-29K integral fighter planes onboard the flight deck of Vikramaditya, officials said.

Modi is also scheduled to interact with the crew onboard and address officers and sailors of the Navy. He is also scheduled to inaugurate the Shore-based Test Facilty meant for practising carrier-based take-off and landing operations.