5 months ago
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INAS 335, the ‘Ospreys’, the 2nd Indian Naval Air Squadron to run MH-60R helicopters, was commissioned astatine INS Hansa, Goa, connected December 17, 2025. The ceremonial was presided implicit by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), marking different large milestone successful the modernisation of Indian naval aviation.
The commissioning follows the induction of the archetypal MH-60R chopper squadron astatine Kochi, Kerala, successful March 2024. With the induction of the versatile, multi-role MH-60R chopper connected the occidental seaboard arsenic the archetypal operational squadron, the Navy has importantly enhanced its rotary helping combat and surveillance capabilities.
Addressing the gathering, Admiral Tripathi said the commissioning assumes peculiar value arsenic 2025 marks 75 years since the Government of India approved the enactment of the Fleet Air Arm, a historical determination that gave wings to naval aviation and transformed the Navy into a potent, multi-dimensional force. He highlighted that the maritime situation contiguous is progressively analyzable and contested, shaped by shifting geopolitics, accelerated technological advances and an expanding spectrum of threats, ranging from grey portion activities to proviso concatenation disruptions astatine sea.
Recalling earlier capableness additions astatine INS Hansa, the CNS noted that the Navy had commissioned its 2nd P-8I maritime patrol craft squadron astatine the aforesaid airbase successful 2022, importantly augmenting shore-based fixed-wing operations crossed aggregate domains. Complementing the P-8I fleet, the Navy is besides progressing the acquisition of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft, which volition heighten persistent maritime surveillance and broad maritime domain consciousness crossed India’s maritime areas of interest.
Rafale combatant craft
In this context, Admiral Tripathi underlined the value of the caller signing of the declaration for 26 Rafale-M carrier-borne combatant aircraft, which volition fortify the Navy’s long-range maritime strike, onshore onslaught and fleet aerial defence capabilities.
Although INAS 335 was formally commissioned astatine Goa, the MH-60R helicopters person already demonstrated their operational effectiveness during Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-25 and the precocious concluded Tri-Services Exercise 2025.
The Commissioning Warrant for the squadron was work retired by Captain Dhirender Bisht, the Commanding Officer, and the ceremonial was marked by a accepted h2o cannon salute. The lawsuit was attended by elder naval officers, veterans and distinguished guests.
The MH-60R is an all-weather, day-and-night susceptible chopper designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP). The induction of INAS 335 volition importantly augment the Navy’s integral aviation capabilities connected the occidental seaboard.
