The Indian Navy’s Russian-built aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov, is preparing for mooring trials at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk, Russia.

The mooring trials will begin after the installation of auxiliary steam piping systems and air conditioning systems is completed.

The carrier, to be renamed as INS Vikramaditya, is currently undergoing a major $2.33bn repair and modernisation programme at the Russian shipyard.

The delivery of the 45,000t aircraft carrier to India is expected by end 2012 or early 2013.

India signed a $974m deal with Russia to buy the warship in 2004, according to Brahmand.