Defence Minister A.K. Antony has today denied any weakening of the Navy's air combat capability because its existing aircraft carrier is ageing and the replacement is getting delayed.

In reply to a question he informed the Lok Sabha today that the combat capability of Sea Harriers has been enhanced through a mid-life upgrade.

He assured the House that adequate stocks of arms and ammunition exist for the aircraft carrier. Fifteen new MIG 29K fighter aircraft have been inducted for carrier-borne operations.
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These aircraft will operate from INS Vikramaditya, the new aircraft carrier to join the Navy in December this year. The Defence Minister informed the House that a contract has been signed with Russia for acquiring an additional 29 MIG 29K fighter aircraft to strengthen the Navy's air combat capability.