(Indian Naval Air Squadron), known as the “Ospreys.”
Location: The ceremony took place at INS Hansa, Goa.
MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters
- Role: The MH-60R (Romeo) is an all-weather helicopter designed for:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Naval surveillance.
- Deployment: INAS 335 is the second squadron to operate these helicopters. The first squadron was commissioned at Kochi (INS Garuda) in March 2024.
Origin & Acquisition
- Manufactured By: Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky), USA.
- Deal: Procured under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route (Govt-to-Govt deal signed in 2020 for 24 choppers).
- Context: It replaces the aging British-origin Sea King fleet to modernize the Indian Navy.
Advanced Weaponry
- It is equipped with Hellfire Missiles (precision-strike air-to-ground).
- Carries MK-54 Torpedoes (lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes).
- Features advanced Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) rockets.
Strategic Base: INS Hansa
- Location: Situated near Dabolim, Goa.
- Status: It is India’s largest naval airbase and houses the Navy’s premier air squadrons.
- Dual Use: The base features a civil enclave that functions as Dabolim Airport, handling 24/7 domestic and international civilian flights.
Historical Timeline:
- 1961: Originally commissioned at Sulur (near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) on September 5, 1961.
- 1962: Following the Liberation of Goa (Operation Vijay), the Navy took over the Dabolim airfield.
- 1964: INS Hansa was formally relocated to Dabolim.
Q: With reference to the MH-60R helicopter squadrons of the Indian Navy, consider the following statements:
1. INAS 335 (Ospreys) is the second Indian Naval Air Squadron inducted with MH-60R helicopters.
2. The first MH-60R squadron of the Indian Navy was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi.
3. MH-60R helicopters are designed exclusively for Anti-Submarine Warfare operations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: INAS 335 is explicitly mentioned as the second MH-60R squadron.
Statement 2 is correct: The first MH-60R squadron was commissioned at Kochi (INS Garuda) in March 2024.
Statement 3 is incorrect: MH-60R helicopters are multi-role platforms, designed for ASW, ASuW, SAR, and naval surveillance—not exclusively ASW.
