picture 171476

Another maritime patrol aircraft (and anti-submarine aircraft) of Soviet design in service with the Indian Navy as of 1988, and deployed operationally during Operation Cactus, was the Ilyushin Il-38. Three of these were acquired in 1977, with two much-upgraded Il-38SDs following in 1983. The Il- 38SD included the installation of the new Sea Dragon avionic suite, new radar, forward-looking infrared turret under the nose, an electronic warfare system and compatibility with British-made Sea Eagle anti-ship missiles. Operated by the Dabolim-based INAS 315, all five were painted in mid grey overall, wore national markings in six positions, with service titles and serials in black. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)