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The Indian Navy has commissioned INAS 335 Ospreys at INS Hansa in Goa, inducting advanced multi role helicopters to strengthen maritime security, surveillance and combat readiness amid evolving regional and global challenges.
Indian Navy commissions INAS 335 Ospreys at INS Hansa Goa.
Goa: The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in its aviation journey on Wednesday with the commissioning of INAS 335 Ospreys at the INS Hansa naval base in Goa. This newly raised unit becomes the Navy’s second squadron equipped with the MH 60R Romeo helicopters, known for their advanced capabilities in anti submarine and surface warfare. The ceremony was conducted with a traditional water cannon salute and attended by senior naval leadership.
The commissioning underlines India’s focus on enhancing its maritime preparedness at a time when the seas are witnessing increased strategic competition and evolving security challenges.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi said the maritime environment surrounding India has become increasingly complex and contested. According to him, shifting geopolitical equations, rapid technological change and a widening spectrum of threats are reshaping how maritime security must be approached.
He noted that challenges now extend beyond conventional conflict and include grey zone activities, disruptions to global supply chains and growing pressure on sea lanes that are vital for national trade and energy security. In this context, strengthening deterrence and safeguarding maritime interests have become essential priorities for the country.
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Admiral Tripathi described the induction of the MH 60R helicopters on the western seaboard as a major operational milestone. As the first operational squadron of this platform in the region, INAS 335 is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to detect, track and neutralise underwater and surface threats.
INAS 335, the "Ospreys," the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate the multi-role MH 60R helicopters, was commissioned on #17Dec 25 at INS Hansa, Goa in presence of Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, #CNS.
With cutting-edge sensors & multi-mission capabilities including Anti-Submarine… pic.twitter.com/DScDH1J4Zb— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 17, 2025
The helicopters are designed for multiple missions including surveillance, combat operations, logistics support and search and rescue. Their deployment adds depth to the Navy’s layered defence posture and improves response time during contingencies at sea.
The Navy chief also highlighted the symbolic importance of the timing and location of the commissioning. He recalled that the year marks 75 years since the Indian government approved the formation of the Fleet Air Arm, a decision that transformed naval aviation and expanded the Navy into a multidimensional force.
He further noted that Goa holds special significance in naval history. Sixty four years ago, during Operation Vijay, Indian naval ships sailed into these waters to liberate Goa, with naval aviation playing a critical role in securing maritime approaches.
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Speaking on the Navy’s future plans, Admiral Tripathi said India is moving forward with the acquisition of 15 MQ9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft. These platforms are expected to provide persistent maritime surveillance and enhance overall maritime domain awareness across vast areas of interest.
He added that the Navy remains focused on strengthening shipborne aviation assets alongside shore based capabilities. This balanced approach ensures flexibility, endurance and reach in both peacetime and conflict scenarios.
The Navy chief also pointed to the recent contract for 26 Rafale M carrier borne aircraft as a crucial step in boosting long range maritime strike, land attack and fleet air defence capabilities. These fighters will operate alongside rotary wing platforms such as helicopters and uncrewed aviation systems.
Together, these assets enable continuous surveillance, standoff combat operations, logistical support and rapid response during emergencies at sea, reinforcing the Navy’s operational readiness.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior officers including the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command, the Chief of Staff Western Naval Command, the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Air and the Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area. The event concluded with a march past by the newly commissioned flying destroyers, symbolising the squadron’s readiness to serve.
