The Indian Navy is set to commission its second squadron of MH-60R “Seahawk” helicopters, designated as INAS 335 (Ospreys). The ceremony will take place on December 17 at INS Hansa in Goa, marking a pivotal moment in India’s defence modernisation.
1. About
- Identity: The MH-60R, often referred to as “Romeo,” is a state-of-the-art all-weather multi-role helicopter.
- Origin: Manufactured by the US defence major Lockheed Martin.
- Arsenal & Avionics:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): It is considered one of the world’s best submarine hunters, equipped with the AN/AQS-22 ALFS dipping sonar and sonobuoys. It carries Mk-54 torpedoes to track and neutralise underwater threats.
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW): Capable of carrying AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and precision machine guns to target hostile ships and fast attack craft.
- Surveillance: Features multi-mode radar and electro-optical sensors for day and night maritime surveillance.
2. Strategic Imperative:
- Blue Water Reach: The induction significantly extends the Navy’s operational horizon, enabling sustained operations far beyond the coastline (Blue Water capabilities).
- IOR Deterrence: Deployment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) strengthens Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and acts as a deterrent against asymmetric threats like enemy submarines and piracy.
- Fleet Integration: The platform is fully integrated with fleet operations, capable of medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), search and rescue (SAR), and ship-borne operations.
3. Squadron Dynamics: Expanding the Fleet
- INAS 335 (Ospreys): This new squadron will be based at INS Hansa, Goa.
- Legacy: The Indian Navy commissioned its first MH-60R squadron (INAS 334) in March of the previous year at Kochi, Kerala.
Q. The term ‘INAS 335 (Ospreys)’, recently mentioned in the news, is related to which of the following?
(a) A new indigenous artillery gun system
(b) A squadron of multi-role helicopters
(c) A heavy-weight anti-submarine torpedo
(d) A nuclear-powered attack submarine
SOL B
INAS 335 (Ospreys) is the Indian Navy’s second squadron of MH-60R “Seahawk” helicopters. It serves as a versatile multi-role platform, not an artillery gun or a specific torpedo (though it carries torpedoes). It is being commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa, to boost the Navy’s modernisation and “Blue Water” capabilities.
