Indian Navy: Naval aircraft IL-38 Sea Dragon bid farewell, said goodbye after 46 years of service

The Navy's long-range maritime patrol aircraft IL-38 Sea Dragon bid farewell to the nation on Tuesday after 46 years of glorious service. The decommissioning ceremony of the aircraft was held at INS Hansa in Dabolim, Goa.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, officers, sailors, and other dignitaries of IL-38 Squadron were present at the event along with their families and recalled the services of the aircraft. The IL-38 aircraft was inducted into the Naval Air Squadron INAS 315 on October 1, 1977.

With this, the modern era of long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare began in the Navy. With its unique capabilities, amazing maneuverability and reach covering the vast Indian Ocean region, the IL-38 SD has over the years proven itself to enhance the Navy's capabilities manifold.