Team Herald
VASCO: After being in service for 33 years, the Indian Navy formally decommissioned its ageing Sea Harrier aircraft, replacing them with MiG 29K fighter aircraft, which have been labelled the ‘newest bad boys’ of naval aviation.
The decommissioning ceremony was held at INS Hansa on Wednesday and attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan, who was also the chief guest for the ceremony.
“It’s my distinct honour and proud privilege to induct the multi-role supersonic MiG 29K in the 300 squadron. It marks the induction of multi-role supersonic technology in the Indian navy,” said Dhowan while addressing the gathering.
Hailing the pilots who flew the Sea Harriers, which are considered as one of the most difficult aircraft to fly, he said, “Today is also the day to salute the pilots who flew the Sea Harriers, which have made a mark for itself by protecting our seas.”
The Sea Harriers were inducted in the Indian Navy following the phasing out of the obsolete Seahawks. To mark their decommissioning, an impressive ceremony was held, wherein the Sea Harriers flew for the last time, with the MiG-29K flanking them and ceremoniously taking their place.
The air display included a supersonic pass by the MiGs and formation flying by two of the Sea Harriers and MiGs each. The composite air display symbolized a smooth transition from the old to the new in continuance with the proud legacy of the INAS 300.
On completing the air display, a ‘washing down’ of the Sea Harriers was carried out in the traditional manner. A first day cover was also released by Dhowan to mark the occasion.
Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Flag Officer Commander-in-Chief Western Naval Command, serving and retired officers of the Indian Navy and all personnel who had served in the INAS 300 also attended the ceremony.
Almost six decades ago, the squadron was commissioned at RNAS Brawdy with its distinctive ‘White Tiger’ logo and equipped with the Sea Hawk aircraft. After providing yeoman service for over two decades, the squadron was subsequently reincarnated with Sea Harriers in 1983. This premier carrier borne fighter squadron achieved iconic status in the Indian Navy with its distinguished service, receiving numerous gallantry awards, which include one Maha Vir Chakra, four Vir Chakras and one Nau Sena Medal.
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 March 29, 1984.
