KOCHI: After a long wait, India's second aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya will be commissioned by defence minister, AK Antony, in Russia on November 16.

The 44,570-tonne warship which is a refurbished version of the Russian vessel Admiral Gorshkov, will join the Indian Navy soon after commissioning.

This was announced by vice admiral Shekhar Sinha, flag officer commanding in chief, Western Naval Command, while speaking to media after commissioning the Advanced Light Helicopter Squadron (ALH), Dhruv, on Tuesday.

"The aircraft carrier will take a month to arrive in India after commissioning. It will be based in Karwar Naval base," said Sinha. The chief of the Western Naval Command added that with the arrival of INS Vikramaditya, reach of the Indian Navy will be further increased.

INS Vikramaditya had recently completed extensive sea trials in Russia. Though it was expected to be inducted into the Indian Navy by last year as per the revised timeframe, but reports say the delivery was delayed further due to serious engine and boiler malfunctions during the trails.