The Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon, a stalwart of India’s maritime defense, bid adieu after 46 years of illustrious service to the nation. The decommissioning ceremony unfolded today at INS Hansa, Dabolim, where Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, dignitaries, and esteemed veterans of the IL-38 squadron, along with their families, gathered to reminisce about its yeoman service.
In his address at the IL-38 de-induction ceremony, the Indian Navy Chief expressed profound appreciation for the aircraft’s unwavering service. He emphasized that the IL-38s demanded unwavering dedication, strength, focus, energy, and sweat from both the air and ground crew. Notably, he highlighted the various challenges faced, including scarcity of spares and the age of the aircraft, which required extensive effort to maintain airworthiness. Once airborne, pilots had to exert brute strength to maneuver the aircraft with manual controls.
The navigators and operations crew had to commit every word and letter of the standard operating procedures, tactics, and operating instructions to memory, all while being prepared for in-flight DI/DR maneuvers. 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.
Yet, despite these hurdles, the IL-38s prevailed, excelling in their missions, and helping the Navy transition into an era of sustained In his address the chief talked about Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance operations in vital regions. 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.
In its final days, the aircraft contributed to India’s self-reliance by successfully integrating indigenous Sahayak Air Droppable Containers for crucial logistics support at sea and becoming a trial platform for indigenous torpedoes. 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. The legacy of the Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon endures as a testament to the unwavering dedication of those who served with this formidable maritime warrior.