Above photos: Indian Navy
The Indian Navy's Ilyushin-38 Sea
Dragon Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft bid farewell after 46 years of
service to the nation. The decommissioning ceremony was held on 31 Oct 23 at
INS Hansa, Dabolim. The Chief of the Naval Staff, dignitaries, and veteran
officers and sailors of the IL-38 squadron graced the event with families,
reminiscing about the yeoman service.
INAS 315 was commissioned on 1 October
1977 with the induction of IL-38 aircraft heralding a modern era of airborne
Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare in the Navy. With
its unique capabilities, striking prowess and extended reach covering the vast
Indian Ocean region, the IL-38 SD has over the years proven itself to be a formidable
force multiplier. The mighty 'Winged Stallion" that adorns the squadron
crest has been living up to the squadron motto of 'Victory is my Profession',
keeping a sharp vigil over and beneath the seas, in its relentless pursuit to
secure nation's maritime boundaries.
The dedicated men and women manning
and maintaining these mighty aircraft ensured persistent mission readiness and
efficient exploitation of the aircraft and mission systems. In her last legs,
the aircraft enabled 'Aatmanirbhar'
capability enhancement by successfully integrating indigenous Sahayak Air Droppable Containers
(which provide critical logistics support to units deployed at sea) and a trial
platform for torpedoes. The aircraft was also featured in the 2023 Republic Day
Flypast at New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion Adm R Hari
Kumar CNS conveyed his felicitations "to 'Team 315', the present and the past; to your predecessors, guides
and mentors and not to forget, to those who are not amongst us today".
Appreciating the strength, focus, energy and the hardwork of the crew which
overcame the numerous constraints, so that the stallions could dominate the
skies the CNS stated, "And yet,
you prevailed; the aircraft performed; the squadron peaked; and the Navy
pivoted to an era of normalising sustained LRMR operations across our primary
areas of interest".
The de-induction ceremony of IL-38
SD marked the end of a glorious era that heralded path breaking capabilities in
maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare operations. The operational
role of IL-38 SD in a constantly evolving and dynamic IOR as 'Eyes in the Sky'
and its contribution during various mission critical deployments would remain
forever etched in the history of Indian Naval Aviation.
While
flying will come to an end, two of these aircraft will remain stationed
permanently at the National Maritime Heritage Museum, Lothal, Gujarat and at
Nipani in Karnataka, inspiring the future generations.
Text: Indian Navy
