Explore India’s Naval and Aviation Heritage at Goa’s Naval Aviation Museum

Situated along the busy street of Bogmalo Road in Dabolim, Goa lies the Naval Aviation Museum; the first of its kind in the Asian subcontinent. Having opened its doors to the public in the late 90's, this larger than life tribute to India's sky-piercing past is a treasure trove full of vintage war crafts, armaments, weaponry, historic photographs, sensors and safety gear. Famed as the second largest aviation museum in the country, this engaging institution explores naval aviation's evolution and contribution to the nation in its defence.

Divided into two sectors that include indoor and outdoor exhibits, the museum showcases an impressive aircraft collection which includes a Sea Hawk, Sea Harrier jump jet, sea fighter Hark, a Hughes, multirole Dove, Sealand jet- trainer Vampire and an anti-submarine Alize. The monumental Lockheed Super Constellation of 1970's fame is also displayed here in addition to the amphibian Short Sealand which is incidentally only one of three on the globe. Other highlights include the navy's premier helicopter, the Hughes Hu 296c. Visitors will also get the unique opportunity of stepping inside life-size war bird replicas and aircraft such as the INS Viraat and INS Vikrant while a multimedia toy room is also available for the benefit of children and young visitors.

In addition to a wide range of naval memorabilia, the museum also houses an extensive armament gallery which exhibits bombs, canons, sensors, depth charges, torpedoes and rockets among many others. The Weapons Department on the other hand displays guns and other various wartime military hardware used by the navy and air forces.
The museum's photo gallery also stocks significant snapshots from India's naval and aviation legacy complemented by informative films and other equally interesting references. The archives also include aerial shots taken by Indian bombers that document the shelling of Chittagong harbor and other famed assaults. Photographic recollections of the navy's unforgettable victory over Pakistani forces in liberating what is now Bangladesh are also visible here among many other reminders of crowning moments.

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