INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ Inducted: Indian Navy Boosts Western Seaboard Aviation Power

The Indian Navy has commissioned INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ at INS Hansa, formally inducting its second operational squadron of MH-60R multi-role helicopters. The commissioning significantly enhances naval aviation capability on the western seaboard, strengthening India’s operational readiness in an increasingly complex maritime security environment.

The ceremony was attended by senior naval leadership and marked a key milestone in modernising India’s shipborne aviation and maritime surveillance capabilities.

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INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ Inducted: Indian Navy Boosts Western Seaboard Aviation Power

Strategic Boost to Western Seaboard Aviation

Commissioning the squadron, Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, highlighted that the induction comes at a time of shifting geopolitics, rapid technological change, and emerging non-traditional threats.

He stressed that strong maritime security and credible deterrence are vital to safeguard:

• India’s Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
• Expanding maritime trade and energy routes
• National interests across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

The MH-60R squadron significantly improves the Navy’s speed of response, reach, and situational awareness across the western maritime theatre.

Enhanced Multi-Role Operational Capability

The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters are among the world’s most advanced naval helicopters, equipped with:

• Advanced sensors and sonars
• Modern avionics and mission systems
• A potent weapons suite

Primary Roles

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
• Maritime strike
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Surveillance and reconnaissance

The platform has already proven its effectiveness during:

• TROPEX-25
• Tri-Services Exercise 2025
• Operation Sindoor

As the first fully operational MH-60R squadron on the western seaboard, INAS 335 greatly enhances maritime domain awareness and rapid fleet support.

Historical Context and Capability Expansion

The commissioning coincides with major milestones in India’s naval history:

• 75 years of approval of the Fleet Air Arm (1950–2025), which transformed the Navy into a multi-dimensional force
• December 17 marks the launch of Operation Vijay, when naval aviation played a decisive role in the liberation of Goa

The Navy is also pursuing further capability upgrades, including:

• Acquisition of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft
• Contract for 26 Rafale-M carrier-borne fighter jets

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Squadron: INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’
• Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk helicopters
• Base: INS Hansa, Goa
• Role: ASW, maritime strike, SAR
• Significance: Strengthens western seaboard naval aviation
• Operation Vijay: Launched on 17 December 1961

Question & Answer

Q1. INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ is associated with which aircraft?
(a) ALH Dhruv
(b) Sea King
(c) MH-60R Seahawk
(d) MiG-29K
Answer: MH-60R Seahawk

Q2. INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ has been commissioned at which naval air station?
(a) INS Rajali
(b) INS Dega
(c) INS Hansa
(d) INS Utkrosh
Answer: INS Hansa

Q3. MH-60R helicopters are primarily designed for which role?
(a) Strategic bombing
(b) Air defence interception
(c) Anti-submarine warfare
(d) Electronic warfare only
Answer: Anti-submarine warfare

Q4. December 17 is associated with which Indian military operation?
(a) Operation Trident
(b) Operation Vijay
(c) Operation Meghdoot
(d) Operation Cactus
Answer: Operation Vijay

Q5. Which platform is planned to further strengthen India’s maritime surveillance?
(a) Heron UAV
(b) MQ-9B Sea Guardian
(c) Tejas Mk-2
(d) Su-30MKI
Answer: MQ-9B Sea Guardian

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