PANJAI (Goa) [India], December 17 (ANI): The Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), at NS Hansa, Goa, in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
Addressing the ceremony, Admiral Tripathi said, “I am delighted to be here today at the home base of Indian Naval Aviation, INS Hansa, for the commissioning of INAS 335 ‘Osprey’. The induction of the MH-60R multirole helicopter as the second operational squadron marks a significant milestone for our Navy.” He added that the new squadron will enhance maritime domain awareness and enable rapid response across anti-submarine warfare, maritime strike, and search-and-rescue missions.
“The MH-60R has already proven its capabilities in multiple missions, including Operation Sindoor, TROPEX 2025, and the recently concluded Tri-Services exercise,” he said. During the ceremony, the Indian Navy performed a traditional water cannon salute to mark the induction of the MH-60R choppers.
Earlier, Captain Dhirender Bisht, NM, Commanding Officer of INAS 335, highlighted the strategic importance of the squadron, saying, “The commissioning of INAS 335 significantly enhances our maritime surveillance, strike, and multirole helicopter capabilities. It will serve 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.”
Lieutenant Commander Prakhar Bhargava, Senior Pilot of INAS 335, described the MH-60R as the Indian Navy’s most advanced helicopter. “It is an all-weather aircraft capable of operating both day and night. 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.
The MH-60R’s advanced weapons, sensors, and avionics suite make it a versatile asset, enhancing the Navy’s operational readiness to address conventional and asymmetric threats. The commissioning of INAS 335 is expected to provide a significant boost to the Indian Navy’s integral aviation capabilities and overall maritime security.
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