Indian Navy Commissions ‘Ospreys’ Squadron: On December 17, 2025, the Indian Navy took a significant step towards upgrading its maritime defence by inducting a brand-new helicopter squadron INAS 335, affectionately called ‘The Ospreys’ at the naval air station INS Hansa in Goa. The event was marked by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi leading the ceremony. Besides the naval top brass, veterans and a congregation of distinguished guests were also present to witness the occasion.
The formal commissioning was accompanied by all the usual naval gala, including a water cannon salute, which is the traditional way of introducing the frontline squadron formally to the service.
INS Hansa, situated close to Panaji, is undoubtedly one of the most strategically significant naval air bases of India which supports naval aviation on the western seaboard. The arrival of INAS 335 here is a clear indication that the Indian Navy is geared up to ensure maritime security not only in this area but also along the entire coastline that has immense strategic importance.
Indian Navy Commissions ‘Ospreys’ Squadron
The Indian Navy refers to the ‘Ospreys’ however, it is INAS 335 that operates MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters made by Sikorsky, a division of Lockheed Martin. They should not be mistaken for the US-made Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The MH-60R is a navalized version of the Black Hawk series that has been specially modified for maritime missions and it is probably the most powerful anti-submarine platform in use today.
The multi-role versatility of the MHC-60R is what makes it the first choice for the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy is in a position to do the following using this single platform:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
- Maritime reconnaissance and surveillance
- Search-and-rescue (SAR)
- Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) likewise
- Vertical replenishment (VERTREP) operations.
These helicopters also have the latest in avionics, flying gear, dipping sonar, multi-mode radar, electronic support measures, and precision weapon systems.
Why INAS 335 Is So Important?
INAS 335 is the second operational squadron of MH-60R in the Indian Navy after the commissioning of the first one at INS Garuda, Kochi, in March 2024. Marking the milestone, the squadron was formally inducted into service. As a result of this supplemental addition to the Indian Navy, the phased induction of more MH-60R helicopters under a contract to acquire 24 of them, with deliveries scheduled through 2028, continues.
While the 335 Squadron is being formally commissioned today here at Goa, the MH-60R helicopter has already proven its might across multiple missions during Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-25, and the recently concluded Tri-Services Exercise 2025, the Navy chief said, adding, “I am, therefore, happy to note that the Squadron being commissioned today is fully operational state, ready to deploy with the fleet from day one, reflecting our deep commitment to expeditious capability induction and integration.”
Admiral Tripathi explained that the introduction of the ‘Ospreys’ would greatly enhance not only maritime domain awareness but also anti-submarine warfare capabilities, quick reaction capability, and the overall deterrent posture against the evolution of threats in the Indian Ocean region. He indicated the helicopters were in full working order and that they had been integrated with the fleet operations, which is a manifestation of the Navy’s emphasis on the prompt induction of new capabilities and readiness of the fleet.
MH-60R Helicopters Strengthen Navy’s Anti-Submarine and Surface Warfare Role
The Proven Record Track
Before they were officially put into service, MH-60R helicopters had already demonstrated their worth in real-life Indian Navy operations. As per the official reports, these machines have achieved great success during the national exercises and missions such as TROPEX-25, the Tri-Services Exercise 2025, and Operation Sindoor, where their sensors and ability to quickly respond to various situations strengthened the Navy’s operational reach.
Withthe Indian Navy’s enhanced capability to quickly locate, follow and counter threats underwater as well as on the sea surface, the Navy enjoys a great edge over its adversaries in the present maritime security environment, which is characterized by highly sophisticated submarines and surface combatants.
India’s Vision of Maritime Security
The presence of the personnel of INAS 335 at INS Hansa was not merely a festive occasion; it represented a strategic step forward in the Indian Navy’s modernization drive. The rivalry for maritime supremacy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) does not only depend on geopolitical changes and technology; security matters too. Couple that with increasing difficulties, and you have worthy airborn anti-submarine and reconnaissance capabilities as an absolute necessity if you want to assure the security of your sea lines of communication and national interests.
As INAS 335 has already been brought to operational readiness in the western seaboard, the Indian Navy, besides having extended its aviation capability, has also kept its pledge to be able to offer a credible deterrent and maintain a strong maritime defence posture, it is ready to tackle emergencies, safeguard coastal areas, and facilitate joint-force operations in the region.
