Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon, a stalwart of India’s maritime defense, bid adieu after 46 years of illustrious service to the nation.
Maritime Aircraft Ilyushin 38
Decommissioning ceremony unfolded today at INS Hansa, Dabolim, where CONS R Hari Kumar, dignitaries, and esteemed veterans of the IL-38 squadron, along with their families, gathered to reminisce about its yeoman service. The aircraft, spanning a substantial 40 meters, provided just 5 meters of space for its 8-member crew. Each day brought new challenges, making complacency impossible.
INAS 315, the squadron operating the IL-38, can proudly list various operational achievements, from its role in Op Brasstacks, Op Cactus, and Op Vijay to its innovative tactics in exercises like SUMMEREXs, SSPRINGEXs, TROPEXSs, DGXs, and XPLs. The successful anti-ship missile and torpedo firings in 2017, achieved without original equipment manufacturer support, highlighted the squadron’s capability.
Historically, INAS 315 was commissioned on October 1, 1977, with the introduction of IL-38 aircraft, marking a new era of Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare in the Indian Navy.
With its unique capabilities and extensive reach across the Indian Ocean, the IL-38 Sea Dragon lived up to its motto, “Victory is my Profession,” diligently safeguarding the nation’s maritime boundaries. The IL-38 also graced the 2023 Republic Day Flypast in New Delhi.
Although the era of flying has come to an end, two of these legendary aircraft will find permanent homes—one at the National Maritime Heritage Museum at Lothal and the other at Nipani in Karnataka, where they will continue to inspire generations of air warriors to come.
