The Indian Navy is set to commission its second MH‑60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 “Ospreys,” on 17 December 2025 at INS Hansa in Goa. The ceremony, to be attended by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance maritime surveillance and operational readiness.
The MH‑60R Seahawk helicopters are multi-role machines equipped with advanced sensors, avionics, and weapon systems. They can perform anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, surveillance, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions. Their versatility allows them to operate from both land bases and naval ships, giving the Indian Navy greater reach and flexibility in responding to threats across the Indian Ocean.
For the Navy pilots and crew, the Ospreys are more than just machines—they are lifelines in challenging missions over vast stretches of ocean. Whether tracking submarines silently beneath the waves, monitoring suspicious vessels, or conducting daring rescue operations, these helicopters play a crucial role in keeping India’s maritime borders secure.
INS Hansa, the commissioning base, is one of India’s premier naval air stations. Its dedicated training, maintenance, and operational facilities ensure that squadrons like INAS 335 are combat-ready and mission-capable at all times. The new squadron builds on the success of the first MH‑60R unit, which has already demonstrated high efficiency in fleet protection and surveillance.
Acquired under a foreign military sales deal, the MH‑60R helicopters are a key part of India’s strategy to strengthen deterrence, secure vital sea lines, and maintain maritime dominance. The addition of INAS 335 reflects the Navy’s ongoing commitment to modernisation and technological advancement, while highlighting the skill, courage, and dedication of its personnel.
As the Ospreys take to the skies, they symbolize not only advanced capability but also the human spirit of vigilance and readiness that defines the Indian Navy. INAS 335 promises to enhance India’s maritime security and ensure rapid, effective responses to challenges in the oceanic domain.
