Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk
Marking a pivotal moment in the Indian Navy’s ongoing efforts towards modernisation and capability enhancement, the Navy commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, Dabolim, Goa, on December 17, 2025. The ceremony was held in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and follows the commissioning of the first MH-60R squadron at Kochi in March 2024.
The Commissioning Warrant was read out by Captain Dhirender Bisht, Commanding Officer (Designate), after which 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. Addressing the gathering, Adm Tripathi described the induction of the multi-role MH-60R helicopter on the Western Seaboard as a major milestone, noting that 2025 marks 75 years since the approval of the Fleet Air Arm, a decision that transformed the Indian Navy into a multidimensional maritime force.
Highlighting the historical significance of the date, the CNS recalled that on the night of December 17–18, 1961, Operation Vijay commenced, leading to the liberation of Goa, during which Naval Aviation played a crucial role with INS Vikrant and its air wing positioned beyond the horizon to secure maritime approaches. He further noted that although the squadron was formally commissioned in Goa, the MH-60R helicopters had already demonstrated their operational capabilities during exercises and missions such as Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-25 and the Tri-Services Exercise 2025.
Adm Tripathi emphasised that INAS 335 is fully operational from the day of commissioning, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to rapid induction and seamless integration of advanced platforms. He also underlined the increasingly complex maritime security environment and reiterated India’s broader maritime vision as it progresses towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The commissioning ceremony featured a multi-aircraft flypast and a traditional water cannon salute. The event was attended by senior naval leadership 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; former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh (Retd); along with veterans and distinguished guests.
Equipped with advanced sensors, avionics and weapon systems, the MH-60R helicopters will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s aviation capabilities on the Western Seaboard. Fully integrated with fleet operations, the aircraft provides the Navy with a versatile platform capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats, reinforcing India’s maritime security posture.
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