INAS 335 'Ospreys' Takes Flight: A New Era for Indian Naval Aviation

INAS 335 'Ospreys', the second squadron of Indian Navy MH-60R helicopters, was inaugurated at INS Hansa, Goa, attended by top naval officials. The ceremony featured a water cannon salute, marking a boost in naval aviation capabilities on India's Western Seaboard.

In a significant advancement for Indian naval aviation, INAS 335 'Ospreys' was officially commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa, on Wednesday. The squadron marks the second deployment of MH-60R helicopters in the Indian Navy following the first squadron's launch in March 2024 at Kochi, Kerala.

The commissioning ceremony was led by the reading of the Commissioning Warrant by Capt Dhirender Bisht, the commanding officer, and the unveiling of the Commissioning Plaque by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, alongside VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command. A traditional water cannon salute highlighted the event, celebrating this milestone in naval aviation.

Esteemed attendees included VAdm Rahul Vilas Gokhale, RAdm Ajay D Theophilus, and former Chief of Naval Staff Adm Karambir Singh among other notable figures. The MH-60R helicopters, all-weather and capable of executing a range of operations from Anti-Submarine Warfare to Medical Evacuations, promise to enhance the Navy's operational capabilities along the Western Seaboard. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)