In a composite air display symbolised a smooth transition from the old to the new, the Indian Navy on Wednesday phased out Sea Harrier fighter jets — which were the mainstay of Indian Naval air arm since 1983, thus paving way for the supersonic MiG 29K aircraft into the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS 300).
At an impressive ceremony held at INS Hansa in Goa which saw the Navy bid a farewell to the christened lately as lUSH (limited Upgrade Sea Harrier) and induct MiG 29K aircraft into its fleet, Sea Harriers flew for one last time, with MiG-29K flanking their outgoing cousins and ceremoniously taking their place.
The air display included supersonic pass by MiG 29s and formation flying by two each Sea Harriers and MiG 29Ks.
On completion of the Air display, “washing down of the Sea Harriers” was carried out in a traditional manner.
The Navy, which initially had 28 Sea Harriers, de-inducted 11 remaining ones at Wednesday’s ceremony.
Admiral RK Dhowan, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sunil lanba, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command, serving and retired Officers and Men of the Indian Navy and all personnel who have served in the INAS 300 were present at the ceremony. Admiral Dhowan released a first day cover on the occasion marking the de-induction of Sea Harriers and induction of MiG 29Ks into the force. He unveiled a plaque marking the de-induction of Sea Harriers and induction of MiG 29Ks on the occasion.
Talking to media persons after the de-induction of Sea Harriers and induction of the Russian-make MiG 29K aircraft into the force, Admiral Dhowan said: “We have great pride in inducting supersonic multi-role MiG 29K aircraft with cutting edge technology into the 300 squadron” India had contracted 45 MiG-29K carrier-based fighters from Russia in two batches — 16 fighters in 2004 along with the contact for acquiring aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and another 29 fighters in 2010. Of the contracted aircraft, the Navy has till now accepted 31 MiG 29K aircraft of the 45 aircraft.
“The aircraft (MiG 29K) has already been integrated on board aircraft carrier Vikramaditya and will now perform the role of strike fighter and air defence for the fleet in the Indian Navy,” Admiral Dhowan said.
Averring that the naval aviation was on a threshold of transformation through induction of additional helicopters and aircraft into the force, Admiral Dhowan said: “The Indian Navy has emerged as a multi-dimensional network force which is ready to take on any challenge in the maritime domain of the Indian Ocean region in the 21st century”.
Replying to queries from media persons, Admiral Dhowan said that INS Virat would be phased out in the coming years. “We are working out details with the Ministry of Defence and it (Virat) will now be phased out in the coming years...We have our new aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which is being constructed at Kochi shipyard and it is scheduled for delivery in the end of 2018,” Admiral Dhowan said.
Admiral Dhowan, however, chose not to answer questions relating to the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers controversy.
The de-induction of Sea Harriers marked the end of an era in Indian Naval aviation history. The Sea Harrier fighter jets were the mainstay of Indian Naval air arm for the past 33 years.
The Sea Harriers, part of INAS 300, were inducted into the navy in 1983 and were deployed onboard INS Vikrant and INS Viraat.
The first three Sea Harriers, flying via Malta, luxor and Dubai, led by lt Cdr Arun Prakash VrC, landed at Dabolim on December 16, 1983. This was followed by the first deck landing on the carrier, INS Vikrant, on December 20, 1983 and the arrival of the first Sea Harrier T Mk 60 trainer, on 29 Mar 1984.
The reborn, White tigers of the Indian Navy were now a totally professional outfit and came out with flying colours during frequent embarkations, joint exercises, Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training and Air to Air gunnery exercises.
The white tigers’ squadron was embarked on the carrier during the Operations Vijay and Parakram providing the essential offensive posture to the country and ensuring readiness to react to any escalation by the enemy.
Having undergone a weapon and avionics upgrade since 2007 to match up with any opposition, the upgraded Sea Harrier christened lUSH (limited Upgrade Sea Harrier) came in handy for the Navy.