MH-60R Helicopters: The Indian Navy is ready to take a big step forward in aviation strength with the commissioning of its second MH-60R helicopter squadron. The unit is called INAS 335 and is known as the Ospreys. The Navy will officially commission the squadron on Wednesday at INS Hansa in Goa. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi will attend the event. Navy officials say this moment marks an important move in modernising the force and improving its combat readiness.
The MH-60R Seahawk is a modern multi-role maritime helicopter made by Sikorsky which now comes under Lockheed Martin. The Navy uses this helicopter for many tasks at sea. Officials say its advanced weapons, sensors, and avionics make it strong enough to deal with both traditional military threats and new asymmetric dangers.
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MH-60R Seahawk: Features
The Seahawk helicopter can perform many missions in one flight. It supports anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and vertical replenishment. Because of this wide role, the helicopter becomes a key asset for ships operating far from land. The defence ministry confirmed that the aircraft already works smoothly with the Navy’s fleet and has shown strong performance during real operations.
In its statement, the ministry clearly said, “The Navy will receive a significant fillip in its integral aviation capabilities with the commissioning of the squadron,” highlighting how important this squadron is for naval aviation.
India’s Reach Across the Seas
This new squadron builds on the success of the first MH-60R unit, INAS 334, which the Navy commissioned in March 6, 2024 at Kochi, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its maritime aviation capability.
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At that time, the defence ministry explained how the helicopter improves India’s ability to operate across wide ocean areas. The ministry had said, “The Seahawk’s deployment in the IOR would strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime presence, dissuading potential threats and ensuring a secure and safe environment in this strategically crucial region.”
