A team of 36 cadets from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, visited INS Hansa on 16 March 2025 as part of their Naval Service Attachment. The visit provided the cadets with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the roles and capabilities of various naval aircraft, from fighter jets to maritime patrol aircraft, and gain insights into naval air operations.
INS Hansa, the largest naval air station in India, is located near Dabolim in Goa. Commissioned on September 5, 1961, it has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a crucial component of the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities. Initially established at Sulur, Tamil Nadu, the base was relocated to Dabolim following the liberation of Goa in December 1961.
INS Hansa was first established as a Naval Jet Flight in 1958, initially operating aircraft like the Sea Hawk, Alize, and Vampire. It became an official naval air station in 1961 and was transferred to Dabolim in 1964.
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INS Hansa has played a vital role in several significant military operations, including the successful liberation of Goa during Operation Vijay in 1961. It has also contributed to humanitarian missions, including Operation Rahat during floods in Maharashtra and Karnataka, as well as supporting the Vande Bharat Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, INS Hansa operates over 44 military aircraft and manages approximately 29,000 flights annually, supporting both military and civil aviation. The air station is home to several Indian Naval Air Squadrons (INAS), including:
- INAS 300 “White Tigers”: MiG-29K fighters
- INAS 303 “Black Panthers”: MiG-29K fighters
- INAS 310 “Cobras”: Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft
- INAS 315 “Winged Stallions”: IL-38SD long-range maritime patrol aircraft
- INAS 316 “P8I”: Boeing P-8I Neptune for reconnaissance
- INAS 339 “Falcons”: Kamov Ka-31 helicopters for airborne early warning
INS Hansa plays a critical role in enhancing India’s maritime security by conducting extensive surveillance operations across its vast coastline and exclusive economic zone. The base is strategically important in both military and civilian air traffic management, contributing not only to national defence but also regional tourism and economic growth.
The visit by NDA cadets underscores the ongoing importance of INS Hansa in shaping future naval leaders and strengthening India’s naval capabilities.
