INS Hansa Hosts MH-60R ‘Ospreys’ Squadron

Why in News ?

The Indian Navy has commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (‘Ospreys’), at INS Hansa in Goa, marking a significant step in strengthening naval aviation and maritime combat capability on the western seaboard.

Background and Context

India’s expanding maritime interests, increasing submarine activity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and the need for persistent surveillance have made carrier- and ship-borne helicopters critical force multipliers. The induction of advanced, multi-role helicopters like the MH-60R Seahawk is part of the Navy’s broader push to modernise its aviation arm and enhance Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), surface combat, and maritime domain awareness. INS Hansa, as the Navy’s largest air station, plays a pivotal role in hosting these high-value aviation assets.

INS Hansa: Key Facts

• Location: Near Dabolim, Vasco da Gama, Goa
• Status: Largest Indian Naval Air Station
• Dual Role: Includes a civil enclave (Dabolim Airport) handling domestic and international flights
• Origins:
  • Originally commissioned at Sulur (Tamil Nadu)
  • Relocated to Dabolim after the liberation of Goa
  • Officially moved in 1964

Strategic Importance

• Major hub for shore-based and carrier-capable naval aviation
• Hosted the second P-8I maritime patrol aircraft squadron (2022)
• Central to future induction of MQ-9B Sea Guardian RPAs, enhancing long-endurance maritime surveillance

INAS 335 (‘Ospreys’): MH-60R Squadron

• Second Indian Navy squadron to operate MH-60R helicopters
• First MH-60R squadron: Commissioned at Kochi in 2024
• Although commissioned at Goa, the helicopters have already demonstrated operational readiness during:
  • Operation Sindoor
  • TROPEX-25
  • Tri-Services Exercise 2025

The squadron significantly boosts India’s integral helicopter capability on the western seaboard, a region vital for trade routes, energy security, and naval deployments.

MH-60R Seahawk: Key Capabilities

• Type: All-weather, day–night, multi-role naval helicopter
• Primary Roles:
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Detection, tracking, and engagement of submarines
  • Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW): Targeting enemy surface vessels
• Secondary Roles:
  • Search and Rescue (SAR)
  • Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
  • Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)

Operational Advantage

• Designed for shipborne and shore-based operations
• Enhances fleet survivability, reach, and logistics sustainment during prolonged deployments

Strategic Significance

• Strengthens India’s maritime deterrence in the IOR
• Enhances submarine-hunting capability amid rising undersea threats
• Improves interoperability with friendly navies operating similar platforms
• Reinforces western seaboard security, covering critical ports and sea lanes