Why in news?
The Indian Navy has commissioned its second squadron of MH‑60R multirole helicopters, designated Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 335 ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa in Goa on 17 December 2025. The induction of these state‑of‑the‑art helicopters enhances the Navy’s capability to conduct anti‑submarine, anti‑surface and search‑and‑rescue operations.
Background on INS Hansa
INS Hansa is a premier naval air station located at Dabolim on the coast of Goa. Originally commissioned in 1961 at Sulur in Tamil Nadu, the base was shifted to its present location following the liberation of Goa in 1961. Over the decades, it has grown into the hub of naval aviation on the west coast, hosting fighter squadrons flying Sea Harrier and later MiG‑29K jets, as well as helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. The base shares its runway with Dabolim civilian airport and includes facilities for training, maintenance and flight testing.
The MH‑60R Seahawk helicopters
- Multi‑role platform: Built by Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company), the MH‑60R is designed for anti‑submarine and anti‑surface warfare, surveillance, search‑and‑rescue, medical evacuation and special operations. It can launch lightweight torpedoes and anti‑ship missiles and deploy sonobuoys to detect submarines.
- Advanced sensors: The helicopter is equipped with a dipping sonar, multi‑mode maritime radar, electronic support measures and forward‑looking infrared cameras, enabling it to detect targets above and below the sea surface.
- Network‑centric capabilities: The MH‑60R can share data with ships and aircraft via secure datalinks, enhancing situational awareness and coordinated response.
- Induction into Indian Navy: India signed a contract with the United States in 2020 for 24 MH‑60R helicopters. The first squadron, INAS 325 ‘Wardens’, was commissioned in July 2023. The second squadron, INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’, continues the induction process.
Significance
- Enhanced maritime security: With its long range and sophisticated sensors, the MH‑60R can locate and engage enemy submarines and ships, augmenting the Navy’s ability to protect sea lanes and maritime interests.
- Force multiplier: Operating from both shore bases and warships, the helicopters extend the surveillance and strike range of the fleet, complementing fixed‑wing aircraft and surface vessels.
- Strengthening indigenous bases: Stationing cutting‑edge aircraft at INS Hansa reinforces the strategic value of India’s west coast and underscores the base’s role in naval aviation development.
Conclusion
The commissioning of INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ at INS Hansa marks another milestone in the modernisation of India’s naval aviation. As more MH‑60R helicopters join the fleet, they will significantly boost the Navy’s ability to conduct a wide range of missions in the Indo‑Pacific region.
Source: TH
