INDIA. Mumbai: The Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft (IL-38) of the Indian Navy bid farewell after 46 years of dedicated service to the nation.
The de-induction ceremony took place at the Indian naval air squadron (INAS 315) within INS Hansa, Dabolim, situated 35 km from Goa’s state capital, Panaji, on Tuesday.
As a mark of respect for the aircraft’s illustrious history, it was honored with a water cannon salute in the presence of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Harikumar, dignitaries, and veteran officers and sailors of the IL-38 squadron, along with their families.
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar described the occasion as truly historic, brimming with nostalgia. He highlighted how the IL-38 had consistently brought glory to the Indian Navy.
Following its de-induction, the IL-38SD will be put on display at the Naval Aviation Museum in Dabolim. A similar aircraft had been showcased there in March 2020.
The Il-38 is an adaptation of the four-engined turboprop “Ilyushin II-18,” customized for use as a maritime patrol aircraft for the Soviet Navy. Over the years, the IL-38 Sea Dragon, with its distinctive capabilities, striking prowess, and extensive operational range covering the vast Indian Ocean region (IOR), has proven to be a formidable force-multiplier.
The squadron’s emblem, the mighty ‘Winged Stallion,’ lived up to its motto, “Victory is my profession,” by maintaining a sharp vigil over and beneath the seas, tirelessly securing the nation’s maritime boundaries.
The dedicated men and women who manned and maintained these remarkable aircraft ensured persistent mission readiness and efficient utilization of the aircraft and its mission systems.
In its final missions, the IL-38 contributed to “Aatmanirbhar” capability enhancement by successfully integrating indigenous “Sahayak Air Droppable Containers,” which provided crucial logistics support to units deployed at sea, and served as a trial platform for torpedoes.
Notably, the aircraft also featured in the 2023 Republic Day Flypast in New Delhi for the first and last time.
The De-induction ceremony of IL-38 SD marks the conclusion of a glorious era that introduced pioneering capabilities in Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare operations.
The operational role of IL-38 SD as the “Eyes in the Sky” in the ever-evolving and dynamic IOR, along with its contributions during various mission-critical deployments, will forever remain a prominent chapter in the history of Indian Naval Aviation.
The Indian Navy initially acquired five IL-38 aircraft by 1983. Unfortunately, in October 2002, two of these aircraft were lost in a mid-air collision above INS Hansa. To bolster the squadron, two ex-Russian Navy Il-38s were incorporated in December 2009 and February 2010.
INAS 315, commissioned on October 01, 1977, marked a new era in the Navy’s capabilities with the induction of IL-38 aircraft, enabling modern airborne Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare operations.
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