Aircraft Museums in India to Witness the Country's Air Force Legacy!

One of the major branches of defense, the Indian Air Force has always been at the forefront of protecting us, making significant contributions during wars, battles, and natural calamities in India. However, as common citizens, we don’t often get the chance to learn more about their aircraft, events, and how they assist us. The best way to explore this is by visiting an aircraft museum and feeling proud of the Indian Air Force's work. Here’s where you can find such museums.

Indian Air Force Museum, Delhi

A collaboration between the Indian Military Aviation and the Indian Air Force, this museum has a rich display of planes that have played a significant part in protecting the country from all potential air threats. It also includes photographs of late officers of the Indian Air Force who fought bravely in World War I and II.  There is a section that shows aircraft models. The museum also houses a gallery, that contains military aircraft like Westland Lysander, Vickers Spitfire, the British Vampire, the French Toofani, the Japanese Kamikaze Glider and more. 

Where: Palam, New Delhi.

TU 142 Aircraft Museum, Vizag 

Located in the coastal city of Vizag is the TU 142 Aircraft Museum, which is unique because the TU - -142 M has been placed here at Visakhapatnam Sea Beach after its 30 years of service to the Indian Navy. You can easily enter this aircraft raft to find various equipment and parts of aircraft places in the exhibition hall. Equipment like sonobuoys, propeller, engine, survival kit, anti submarine missile, and date recorder are kept here with the details. There is also a flight simulator platform which you can easily enjoy with your VR headsets!

Where: Dr NTR Beach Road, Kursura Submarine Museum, Pandurangapuram. 

HAL Aerospace Museum, Bengaluru

Located at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited premises, it is one roof for all the education you might require to get a basic understanding of the aircraft. It gives an all-inclusive aerospace experience within the environment of the museum. You can see here galleries displaying aircraft models like models of the Kiran and the Marut, an antique Canberra bomber and the ill-famous MIG-21. Alongside, one can also experience simulators and see the Air Traffic Control Tower, and Sustainability Development Park that explains how solar energy works.

Where: Police Station, Near HAL, Marathahalli, Bengaluru. 

Tamil Nadu Police Museum, Coimbatore

If you have to revisit the memories of the Kargil War fought by our brave soldiers, visit this museum once! The Museum houses various artilleries that include serviced weapons and seized arms and a soviet T55 main battle tank which was used in the Kargil war by the Indian Army. The HPT-32 aircraft which served in the Indian Air Force for 32 years is also on display here! This 1034 kg HPT-32 Deepak can hold two persons including the student and the instructor, so, how about taking a chance?

Where: State Bank Road, Gopalapuram, Coimbatore. 

Aircraft Museum, Kolkata

Popular as India's 2nd Aircraft Museum, it has been built on 2.2 acres of land. Initially, the project was developed by the West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department which collaborated with the Indian Navy. However, now, it is handled by HIDCO. At the museum grounds, you’ll find a children’s park with rides that are modelled after fighter aeroplanes! Along with it, you can also witness various fighter jets and go inside to learn more about them. 

Where: New Town Police Station, Chakpachuria, Kolkata.

Hall of Aviation and Space, Mumbai

Located inside the Nehru Planetarium, this aircraft museum is all about the knowledge you can gain about planes and aviation. You can understand here the history of flying experiments, the principles of flight, wind tunnels, air traffic control and more. Being here, you can also check out the Indian satellites and witness a quiz on aerospace! However, viewing the microlight and ultralight aircraft has to be one of the best experiences here! 

Where: Nehru Planetarium, Worli.