Visibility wasn’t good during the Republic Day flypast and the clouds hung low.’We had 30 seconds to fame in 46 years and we made good use of it,’ says Commander Mrinmoy Ghosh who flew the Indian Navy’s IL-38 SD aircraft during Thursday’s flypast.

IMAGE: Commander Mrinmoy Ghosh. All Photographs: Kind courtesy Indian Navy

“It is always a soldier’s dream to be part of the Republic Day parade,” says Commander Mrinmoy Ghosh, Commanding Officer of the IL-38 Squadron of the Indian Navy.

This Republic Day, Commander Ghosh’s dream was fulfilled when he flew the Ilyushin 38 Sea Dragon aircraft over Kartavyapath during the flypast.

“When we flew over Kartavyapth, we were paying tribute to all the ‘Winged Stallions’ — serving, retired and martyred. We did it for them — in valiant recognition of their selfless service to the nation,” says Commander Ghosh, captain of the aircraft in the flypast. He was accompanied by pilot-in-command Commander C M Fulshe and co-pilot Commander Abhay Amle.

A 7-member crew flies the IL-38 SD.

The crew of the fleet of the Russian-made aircraft are also known as the ‘Winged Stallions’. Commander Ghosh has flown the IL-38 SD for nearly 12 years.

The IL-38 SD is a long range anti-submarine warfare and surveillance aircraft. Commissioned in 1977, it is the longest serving maritime reconnaissance aircraft in the Indian Navy.

The aircraft will retire from service towards the end of 2023.

“Since it is a vintage aircraft, it is more challenging compared to…