INAS 335 ‘The Ospreys’ Commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa, Strengthening Indian Navy’s MH-60R Helicopter Fleet

INAS 335 ‘The Ospreys’, India’s second MH-60R helicopter squadron, was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa, enhancing anti-submarine, anti-surface, SAR, and MEDEVAC capabilities on the Western Naval Command’s seaboard.

Goa, India | December 19, 2025:The Indian Navy commissioned its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 ‘The Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, Goa, on December 17, 2025, in a ceremony presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi. This follows the commissioning of India’s first MH-60R squadron in Kochi in March 2024. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, also attended the ceremony.

The event began with Capt Dhirender Bisht, Commanding Officer, reading out the Commissioning Warrant, followed by the unveiling of the Commissioning Plaque by Mrs Laila Swaminathan, President of NWWA Western Region. The ceremony concluded with a traditional water cannon salute, marking the historic occasion.

Senior naval officials, including VAdm Rahul Vilas Gokhale, Chief of Staff Western Naval Command; RAdm Ajay D Theophilus, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area and Flag Officer Naval Aviation; and Adm Karambir Singh (Retd), former CNS, attended along with veterans and distinguished guests.

The MH-60R helicopter is an all-weather platform capable of operations day and night, designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Search and Rescue (SAR), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP). With the induction of INAS 335, the Indian Navy significantly augments its integral aviation capabilities along the Western Seaboard, strengthening maritime security and rapid response capacity.

Officials noted that the squadron would play a pivotal role in ensuring operational readiness, enhancing fleet versatility, and supporting India’s maritime strategic objectives in the region.

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