The Aryavarth Express
Panaji (Goa):
The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned its second MH-60R multirole helicopter squadron, INAS 335, christened the “Ospreys,” at INS Hansa in Goa. The commissioning ceremony was held in the presence of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi.
Addressing the gathering, Admiral Tripathi said the induction of the squadron marked an important milestone for Indian Naval Aviation. “I am delighted to be here at the home base of Indian Naval Aviation, INS Hansa, for the commissioning of INAS 335 ‘Osprey’. The induction of the MH-60R Romeo multirole helicopter as an operational squadron marks a significant milestone for our Navy,” he said.
He added that the squadron would substantially enhance the Navy’s maritime domain awareness and operational reach. “The MH-60R will enhance maritime domain awareness and enable rapid response across anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike and search-and-rescue missions. Although INAS 335 is being formally commissioned today, the helicopter has already demonstrated its capabilities in multiple missions, including Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-2025 and the recently concluded Tri-Services exercise,” the Navy Chief said.
As part of the ceremony, the newly inducted MH-60R helicopters were accorded a water cannon salute.
With the commissioning of INAS 335, the Navy’s operational footprint in maritime security, surveillance and undersea warfare is expected to receive a significant boost.
Earlier, the Commanding Officer of INAS 335, Captain Dhirender Bisht, NM, said the induction of the squadron was a major step towards strengthening fleet operations. “The commissioning of INAS 335 marks the induction of the Indian Navy’s second MH-60R squadron, significantly enhancing our maritime surveillance, strike and multirole helicopter capability. It will function as the eyes, ears and first hunters of the fleet, providing real-time situational awareness, undersea warfare capability and rapid response across our vast maritime spaces,” he said.
Highlighting the platform’s strengths, Senior Pilot of INAS 335, Lieutenant Commander Prakhar Bhargava, described the MH-60R as the most advanced helicopter in service with the Indian Navy. “It is an all-weather aircraft capable of day and night operations. Its exceptional stability, long endurance and state-of-the-art weapons and sensors make it a potent platform for anti-submarine warfare, surface surveillance and search-and-rescue missions,” he said.
Equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and avionics, the MH-60R offers enhanced capability to counter both conventional and asymmetric threats. Fully integrated with fleet operations, the helicopter has already proven its effectiveness, and the commissioning of INAS 335 is expected to provide a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s integral aviation capabilities.
