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Union Defence Minister, along with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, recently inaugurated Nausena Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow. The museum has been established to showcase the legacy, operational achievements, and maritime capabilities of the Indian Navy while fostering maritime awareness among citizens.

About Nausena Shaurya Vatika

Nausena Shaurya Vatika is an open-air naval museum and interpretation centre developed jointly by the Indian Navy and the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

• Location: Lucknow
• Cost: ?19 crore
• Area: More than 2 acres
• Developed as: Phase-II of the Nausena Shaurya Sangrahalaya (Naval Memorial Museum)

The museum seeks to educate the public about India's maritime history, naval warfare capabilities, and the strategic importance of sea power in national security.

Major Attractions

INS Gomati Exhibit

The museum prominently displays artefacts and weapon systems from INS Gomati, which was decommissioned on 29 May 2022 after 34 years of distinguished service.

Key exhibits include:AK-726 Naval Gun, ZIF-101 Surface-to-Air Missile Launcher ,Surface-to-Surface Anti-Ship Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Shipborne Radar Systems, Torpedo Launchers, Anchors and Ship Masts, Other operational naval equipment.

TU-142M Walkthrough Museum

Another major attraction is the walkthrough exhibit of the TU-142M, a retired long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft that played a crucial role in surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime security.

Strategic Significance

The museum serves as a platform to enhance public understanding of:

• India's maritime heritage.
• The role of the Indian Navy in safeguarding national interests.
• Naval modernization and maritime security.
• India's growing strategic role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

During the inauguration, the Defence Minister highlighted the Navy's operational effectiveness, noting that during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy effectively confined the Pakistani Navy to its ports, underscoring India's maritime strength and deterrence capabilities.