Naval Aviation Museum – Discover the Evolution of the Indian Naval Air Army

Naval Aviation Museum is the only military museum in all of Asia. It was opened in 1998 and displays some of the brilliant aircraft created by the Indian Navy. The setup and display are beautiful and unique, the aircraft is displayed in the open-air gallery and the interior of the museum will give you a look and feel in a naval aircraft.

The gallery displays some of the refined military equipment, simulation room, prominent battles, and so on. The best part about visiting the museum is that it overlooks the famous Bogmalo Beach. Since the museum is built on a plateau, it gives a beautiful view of the beach. If you are visiting Bogmalo soon, and want to explore this museum, then here are some of the things to keep in mind before visiting.

Old Aircrafts to Explore in Naval Aviation Museum

Visiting this museum to look at the aircraft and helicopters is like a glorious walk in the past. Here is something to know about the discovery of the evolution of the Indian Naval Air Army. When you do visit Naval Aviation Museum, these things will interest and amaze you.

• Kamov Ka-25 (IN 573)
It’s a famous helicopter that was passed in the 1980s and used for commuting Anti-submarine warfare with an additional task of surveillance and search rescues.

• Short Sealand Mk 2 (IN 106)
This is important to see because it is one of the three surviving aircrafts that exist in India. The Sealand aircraft is huge and was the very first created after the Naval Aviation establishment.

• HAL HT-2 (BX 748)
This aircraft was utilized for training for the primary trainers from 1956-1964. However, it is on display at the museum for all the right reasons.

• Fairey Firefly TT Mk1 (IN 112)
This is one of its kind in India and one out of the 12 existing in the world. It’s huge and you will love the sight of it, the aircraft was acquired in 1955.

• Breguet Alizé (IN 202)
This is kept for public display and was the first aircraft carrier put into the task for surveillance and Maritime in the year 1961.

• HAL Chetak (IN 475)
This aircraft entered the service in the year 1961 for training and transport purposes. After serving for years, the aircraft phased out in the year 1986.

• Hughes Hu-300 (IN 083)
A two-seater helicopter was included in the Naval Service in the year 1971. The pilot ran ab-initio training in this helicopter and it took the retirement in the mid-1980s.

Galleries with Wooden Ship Models

The interior of this museum is designed like an aircraft and is accessed through a ship’s hatch. You will be able to explore the two main galleries called the Viraat and the Vikrant. You will see the wooden models of the ships with the names that are given to them after the ships.

Naval Equipment

If you are a fan of exploring artillery and armaments, then you will enjoy looking at warheads, depth charges, bombs, torpedoes, etc. in the museum. They also have Sonobuoy room utilized for aircraft detection for underwater enemies.

Location: in Bogmala, Vasco-Bogmalo road, 6km (3.7mi) from Vasco da Gama
Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (9:30 am- 5:30 pm); the museum remains closed in national holidays.

How to reach Naval Aviation Museum?

• Nearest Airport- Dabolim Airport 10 min (5.6 km/3.4 miles)
Estimated expense by car: INR 350-450

• Nearest Bus Stand- Dabolim Bogmalo Cross
(10-min walking distance)

• Nearest Railway Station- Dabolim Railway Station
5 min via Bogmalo Road (Walking distance)

Now that you are aware of most of the museum detail, plan for a trip with friends and family to capture the uniqueness of the place. The museum is a great symbol of beautiful aircrafts that were utilized as a weapon to protect people and train professionals to stand against the crisis.