The commissioning of INAS 335 marks a major step in strengthening the Navy’s aviation and maritime combat capabilities. The first MH-60R squadron was commissioned earlier at Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024, the statement said
The ceremony concluded with a traditional water cannon salute, marking the historic occasion. Pic/Defence PRO
The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’, its second naval air squadron to operate MH-60R helicopters, at INS Hansa in Goa, an official statement said.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS).
The commissioning of INAS 335 marks a major step in strengthening the Navy’s aviation and maritime combat capabilities. The first MH-60R squadron was commissioned earlier at Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024, the statement said.
The commissioning ceremony
"INAS 335 ' Ospreys ', the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate MH 60R helicopters, was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa in the presence of Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) on December 17, 2025," an official defence PRO statement said, adding that the Commissioning Plaque was unveiled by the CNS in the presence of VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command.
The Commissioning Warrant of the squadron was read out by Captain Dhirender Bisht, the Commanding Officer of INAS 335. Following this, the Commissioning Plaque was unveiled by the Chief of the Naval Staff in the presence of Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, the statement said.
The ceremony concluded with a traditional water cannon salute, marking the historic occasion, officials said.
Senior naval leadership in attendance
Several senior officers and dignitaries attended the event, 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 (Retired), former Chief of the Naval Staff. Naval veterans and distinguished guests were also present, the statement said.
The MH-60R helicopters
The MH-60R helicopters are advanced, all-weather aircraft capable of operating day and night. They are designed for a wide range of missions, including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP).
With the induction of INAS 335, the Indian Navy’s integral aviation strength on the Western Seaboard will receive a significant boost, enhancing maritime surveillance, combat readiness and operational reach.
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