Admiral Gorshkov entered service in 1987 and retired in 1996. This attracted India. The ship was free, while India would pay US$800 million for the upgrade and refit of the ship, as well as an additional US$1 billion for the aircraft and weapons systems. At first E-2C Hawkeye looked like a good option but did not buy it later.
The deal also includes the purchase of 16 MiG-29K aircraft (with an option for 8 more aircraft) at US$1 billion, 6 Kamov Ka-28 "Helix" reconnaissance and anti-submarine helicopters, torpedo, missile, and artillery units. Establishment maintenance on Indian Navy facilities are also part of the contract.