The IndianNavyhas signed an agreement with the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) under which a decommissioned Soviet-era Ilyush 38 Sea Dragon (IL-38SD)aircraftwill be handed over for creation of amuseum. The long range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) aircraft will be placed near the Merces junction close to the under construction district court complex as an attraction for tourists and local residents.
According to sources, the GTDC could lay the foundation stone for the museum on January 4. The aircraft itself will be transported at a later stage after being partially dismantled.
The GTDC had expressed its interest to the INDIAN NAVY, for possession of such aircraft, and the latter subsequently agreed for the same, as a gift to Goa on the occasion of its 60th year of Liberation.