New Delhi
With an aim to motivate the youth of the great city of Mumbai to serve the nation with pride, a Sea Harrier Monument was dedicated to the city of Mumbai on Wednesday by Aditya Thackeray, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Rear Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area. Located at the popular junction of Bandra Band Stand, the monument stands tall and proud next to the sea, reminding of the heydays of the aircraft’s illustrious service towards safeguarding the maritime frontiers of the nation. The monument showcases the Indian Navy’s aviation capabilities as also keeping the legacy of INS Viraat alive from whose deck the aircraft operated.
Built by the British Aerospace, the Indian Navy became only the second country to fly the Sea Harrier when it was inducted in 1983. The aircraft operated from the deck of INS Viraat. The aircraft was a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing/Vertical Take-Off and Landing (STOVL/ VTOL) jet fighter, reconnaissance and attack aircraft. The aircraft formed part of INAS 300 squadron popularly known as “White Tigers” whose legacy is being continued by the latest MIG 29 K fighters onboard INS Vikramaditya. Dedication of this monument to the citizens of Mumbai is reassurance of devotion and commitment of Indian Navy towards safeguarding our maritime boundaries.