Visakhapatnam- The City has added a new attraction to its Coastal Corridor with the inauguration of a helicopter museum on beach Road, featuring the de-inducted Mark III Technology Utility Helicopter the UH-3H.

The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMDRA) invested nearly 73.5 crore to develop the museum, the submarine museum and the sea harrier museum, the VMRDA was entrusted with this latest project.

The Greater Vishakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) leased the land to VMRDA, which developed the museum to Commemorate the UH-3H’s Contributions to the Indian Navy.

The UH-3H helicopter was acquired from the United States in 2007 and inducted into service in 2009 with the Indian Naval Air Squadron 350 at INS Deg, Visakhapatnam over the years, it became an integral part of the navy’s operations especially in amphibious all-weather roles.

Nicknamed Saaras, the helicopter was a dependable part of the Indian Navy’s INS Dega Base located in Visakhapatnam for nearly two decades before being decommissioned in June 2024. Its long service life reflects its endurance and importance in Naval operations.

The UH-3H marine helicopter museum in Visakhapatnam is a tribute to the aircraft’s years of service and to the city’s deep naval heritage.