New Delhi: The Indian Navy INAS 335 squadron has been officially commissioned at INS Hansa in Goa, marking another major step in India’s naval modernization program.
The new squadron, named “Ospreys,” will operate the advanced MH-60R multi-role helicopters, strengthening India’s maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and rapid response capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, highlighting the strategic importance of the squadron for national security and naval preparedness.
What is INAS 335 “Ospreys”?
INAS 335 is the Indian Navy’s second squadron equipped with the American-origin MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. The squadron has been commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa, one of India’s key naval aviation bases.
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The squadron is designed to perform several important missions, including:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
- Maritime surveillance
- Search and rescue operations
- Medical evacuation
- Vertical replenishment missions
According to the Ministry of Defence, the helicopters are capable of operating in all weather conditions during both day and night missions.
Why the MH-60R Seahawk is Important
The MH-60R Seahawk is considered one of the world’s most advanced naval helicopters. It comes with modern radar systems, sonar, weapons, and surveillance equipment that help detect enemy submarines and surface threats.
The helicopter significantly improves the Navy’s ability to monitor India’s vast maritime boundaries and respond quickly to threats in the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters.
Officials said the helicopter has already proven its operational value during major naval exercises and missions.
Commissioning Ceremony Held at INS Hansa, Goa
The commissioning ceremony took place at INS Hansa in Goa in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The event included a ceremonial water cannon salute for the newly inducted helicopters.
Speaking during the event, Admiral Tripathi described the induction as an important milestone in strengthening India’s naval aviation power and maritime security network.
What is the Importance of INAS 335
The Indian Navy stated that the induction of INAS 335 will greatly improve operational readiness along the western coastline. The squadron is expected to act as the “eyes and ears” of the fleet by providing real-time surveillance and underwater threat detection.
The commissioning of INAS 335 comes at a time when maritime security has become increasingly important in the Indo-Pacific region. With rising submarine activity and growing strategic competition in regional waters, India is focusing heavily on naval modernization.
The MH-60R helicopters are expected to help India improve:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Underwater warfare capability
- Fleet coordination
- Rapid emergency response
- Strategic deterrence
The move also reflects the Indian Navy’s long-term goal of building a technologically advanced and mission-ready force.
India’s Growing Naval Aviation Capability
INAS 335 is the second MH-60R squadron of the Indian Navy. The first squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned in Kochi in March 2024.
India had signed a deal with the United States in 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R helicopters for strengthening naval operations.
Defence experts believe these advanced helicopters will play a critical role in countering underwater threats and increasing India’s maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
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