Sea Harrier FRS Mk. 51 | Indian Navy | Full Build Video

Описание: In 1977, the Government of India approved plans to acquire the BAE Sea Harrier for the Indian Navy.
Before this decision, there had been speculation that India might instead opt for the Soviet Yak-36, another V/STOL aircraft design.

The ageing BAE Sea Hawk fleet was phased out in 1978, paving the way for the Sea Harrier’s arrival. India placed its first order in November 1979 — six Sea Harrier FRS Mk 51 fighters and two T Mk 60 trainers. The first three aircraft arrived at Dabolim Airport on 16 December 1983 and were inducted the same year.

A follow-up order for ten more Sea Harriers came in 1985, bringing the total fleet to 30 aircraft — 25 operational fighters and five dual-seat trainers.
Because of the limited number of aircraft early on, pilot training during the 1980s was largely conducted in Britain.

The Sea Harrier’s induction marked a new era for the Indian Navy.
It replaced the Sea Hawk and enabled the modernisation of INS Vikrant (ex-HMS Hercules) between 1987 and 1989. Later, the aircraft also operated from INS Viraat (ex-HMS Hermes).

Armed with modern weaponry such as the Sea Eagle anti-ship missile and the Matra Magic for air-to-air combat, the Sea Harrier expanded India’s naval strike capabilities. It could also carry 68 mm rockets, cluster bombs, runway-denial munitions, and podded 30 mm cannons — a versatile and iconic addition to India’s carrier aviation legacy.

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