INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’, the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate MH-60R helicopters, was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa, on 17 December 2025, in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). This follows the induction of the first MH-60R squadron at Kochi in March 2024.
The Commissioning Warrant was read by Captain Dhirender Bisht, Commanding Officer of the squadron, followed by the unveiling of the Commissioning Plaque by the CNS. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, was also present. The ceremony concluded with the traditional water cannon salute to mark the historic occasion.
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Senior naval leadership, including 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 CNS, attended the event alongside veterans and distinguished guests.
The MH-60R helicopter is an all-weather, day-and-night platform capable of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP). The addition of these helicopters will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s aviation capabilities along the Western Seaboard.
