The Indian Navy commissioned INAS 335 ‘The Ospreys’, its second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron, at INS Hansa, Goa, on December 17, 2025, marking a significant milestone in strengthening naval aviation capabilities on the western seaboard.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). The event follows the commissioning of the first MH-60R squadron at Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024, reflecting the Navy’s phased induction of advanced multi-role helicopters.
Ceremonial Highlights and Senior Leadership Presence
The Commissioning Warrant was read out by Captain Dhirender Bisht, Commanding Officer of INAS 335, following which the Commissioning Plaque was unveiled by Mrs Laila Swaminathan, President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), Western Region. The ceremony concluded with a traditional water cannon salute, symbolising the formal induction of the squadron.
Senior naval leadership present on the occasion included Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command; Vice Admiral Rahul Vilas Gokhale, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command; Rear Admiral Ajay D Theophilus, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area and Flag Officer Naval Aviation; and Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd), former Chief of the Naval Staff, along with veterans and distinguished guests.
MH-60R: A Force Multiplier for the Indian Navy
The MH-60R Seahawk is an all-weather, day-and-night capable multi-role helicopter designed for a wide spectrum of naval operations, including:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
- Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)
The induction of INAS 335 will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s integral aviation capability, improving surveillance, maritime strike potential, and operational reach across the Western Seaboard.
Strengthening Maritime Security
With the commissioning of ‘The Ospreys’, the Indian Navy continues its focus on modernisation, force multiplication, and maritime security, ensuring high levels of operational readiness to meet evolving challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
