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The Indian Navy on Tuesday commissioned its second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron, INAS 335 ‘Osprey’, at INS Hansa in Goa, marking another significant milestone in strengthening its maritime aviation and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The squadron was commissioned in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. The event follows the commissioning of the Navy’s first MH-60R squadron at Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024.
With the induction of INAS 335, the Indian Navy has now received 15 MH-60R multi-role helicopters out of the 24 contracted from Lockheed Martin, United States. The remaining helicopters are scheduled to be delivered by 2028.
Christened the ‘Ospreys’, the squadron has already logged over 200 flying hours and has been fully integrated with the Western Fleet. The MH-60R helicopters were initially based at INS Garuda in Kochi for training and operational work-up before their deployment to Goa.
The commissioning warrant was read out by Captain Dhirender Bisht, Commanding Officer of INAS 335, followed by the unveiling of the commissioning plaque by Mrs Laila Swaminathan, President, Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), Western Region. The ceremony concluded with a traditional water cannon salute.
The MH-60R is an all-weather, day-and-night-capable helicopter designed for a wide range of missions, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP). The helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics, sensors and weapons, enabling them to act as the “eyes and ears” of the fleet.
Naval officials said the commissioning of the second MH-60R squadron will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational reach and maritime security on the Western Seaboard and across the Indian Ocean Region, particularly in the context of increasing submarine activity and growing Chinese naval presence.
Team BharatShakti
