Indian Navy commissions second MH-60R helicopter squadron
Context
The Indian Navy commissioned INAS 335 – “The Ospreys”, its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, at INS Hansa, Goa, marking a significant milestone in naval aviation modernisation.
Key details
Squadron and base
Squadron: INAS 335 (The Ospreys)
Aircraft: MH-60R multi-role helicopters
Base: INS Hansa, Goa
Timeline
First MH-60R squadron commissioned at Kochi (Kerala) in March 2024
INAS 335 is the second operational squadron
First MH-60R operational deployment on the western seaboard
Significance of MH-60R induction
Operational capabilities
MH-60R helicopters significantly enhance:
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
Maritime surveillance
Search and Rescue (SAR)
Network-centric naval operations
INS Hansa: Strategic importance
Premier naval air station on the western coast
Key hub for:
Fighter aircraft
Maritime patrol aircraft
Helicopter squadrons
Earlier milestones at INS Hansa:
Second P-8I maritime patrol aircraft squadron commissioned in 2022
Broader naval aviation modernisation
Complementary acquisitions
P-8I Poseidon
Long-range maritime patrol and ASW aircraft
MQ-9B Sea Guardian
15 remotely piloted aircraft being acquired
Enhances persistent surveillance and ISR capabilities
Together, MH-60R + P-8I + MQ-9B form a layered maritime surveillance and strike ecosystem.
Historical significance
2025 marks 75 years since Government of India approved the formation of the Fleet Air Arm
Marks the institutional foundation of Indian naval aviation
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. INAS 335, recently commissioned by the Indian Navy, operates which of the following aircraft?
(a) P-8I Poseidon
(b) MQ-9B Sea Guardian
(c) MH-60R helicopter
(d) ALH Dhruv
Answer: (c)
Q. INS Hansa, frequently mentioned in news, is located in:
(a) Kochi
(b) Visakhapatnam
(c) Goa
(d) Mumbai
Answer: (c)
Q. The MH-60R helicopter is primarily inducted to enhance which naval capability?
(a) Strategic bombing
(b) Amphibious assault
(c) Anti-submarine and maritime surveillance
(d) Space-based reconnaissance
Answer: (c)