VASCO: Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 310, The Cobras, a maritime reconnaissance squadron of Indian Navy based at Goa, celebrated its 62nd anniversary on Tuesday.
Commissioned at Hyéres, France on March 21, 1961, the squadron holds the distinction of being the most decorated unit of Indian Navy.
“INAS 310 has rendered yeoman service to the nation in numerous operations since 1961 and continues to carry out daily surveillance operations over the coastline. INAS 310 operated the carrier borne Alize aircraft until 1991 and subsequently migrated to the shore based Dornier-228,” an official press release by the Navy stated.
The squadron currently operates both variants of DO-228 and has pan India footprint. The squadron operates under the aegis of Western Naval Command, and undertakes all operational tasking and operational logistics for the command.
“The squadron is also the first choice for trials of indigenous avionics and sensors under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The Squadron has been regularly exercising with Indian Army and Indian Air Force and has been part of several International exercises with friendly foreign nations. The squadron was adjudged as Best Frontline Air Squadron in 2021-22,” it added.
It may be noted that following the outbreak of Covid pandemic in 2020, the squadron’s aircrafts flew close almost 1000 sorties to deliver critical medical supplies, COVID test kits and transported medical teams and Covid samples.
Starting from 1991, the squadron was re-equipped with Dornier 228 aircraft configured for surveillance and electronic-warfare roles.
INAS 310 has participated in Operation Vijay (1961), Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, Operation Pawan, Kargil War and Operation Parakram.