GOA, Dec 17: After proving its mettle in Operation Sindoor, Seahawk MH 60R helicopter has been formally commissioned by Indian Navy in its second helicopter squadron ‘Osprey’ on INS Hansa here on Wednesday .
Aptly named after fish hawk Osprey, the Lockheed-Martin built helicopter gunship is capable of spotting and shooting down far off threats as well as engaging submarines deep below the sea surface.
This is the second helicopter squadron of Indian Navy after the first Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Dhruv) squadron was commissioned at Kochi on 12 Nov 13.
Dhruv is the first indigenously designed and manufactured helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and with its multi role capabilities has proven in all the three services, Indian Coast Guard , BSF and in the inventory of foreign countries.
Osprey squadron adds a military muscle to naval wings, though it is deemed not a fully-loaded frontline attack helicopter by the navies.
Armed with Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and door-mounted machine guns, MH-60R is a highly capable, multi-role naval chopper primary built for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Powered by Twin GE T700 turboshaft engines, it can reach a speed of 270kmph in no time. It can take off from all platforms including aircraft carriers, frigates, destroyers, cruisers, and coastal bases.
“The induction of the versatile, multi-role MH60R helicopter on the Western Seaboard, marks an important milestone for our Navy,” Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff, said at the commissioning ceremony.
“The name ‘Osprey’ symbolises sharp vision, agility and precision – qualities I am confident you will embody, remaining ever-ready, and ever-victorious. Here, I would like to invoke an old saying – ‘Out of fear of the Osprey, fish turn belly-up in surrender.’ I am confident that you – the Ospreys of INAS 335 – will give a befitting reply to any challenge to India’s maritime security,” Adm Tripathi said.
The MH60R, with its world-class sensors, advanced avionics, and potent weapons suite, will enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, and enable rapid response across Anti-Submarine Warfare, Maritime Strike, and Search and Rescue missions.
The naval chief also informed that while the 335 Squadron is being formally commissioned today here at Goa, the MH-60R helicopter has already proven its prowess across multiple missions during Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-25, and the recently concluded Tri-Services Exercise 2025.
“I am, therefore, happy to note that the Squadron being commissioned today is in fully operational state, ready to deploy with the Fleet from Day One, reflecting our deep commitment to expeditious capability induction and integration,” Adm. Tripathi said.
“In 2022, we commissioned our second P8I air squadron at this very airbase, augmenting our shore-based fixed-wing capabilities to operate across domains. Complementing the P8Is, the Indian Navy is progressing the acquisition of 15 MQ9B Sea Guardian RPAs, which will significantly enhance our ability to maintain persistent maritime surveillance, and comprehensive Maritime Domain Awareness, across our maritime areas of interest,” Adm Tripathi added.
The naval chief informed that in addition to building its shore-based aviation capabilities, the Indian Navy has maintained an unwavering focus on the enhancement of the integral shipborne aviation capabilities – both fixed and rotary wing.
“It is in this context that the recent signing of the contract for 26 Rafale-M carrier-borne aircraft assumes particular significance, strengthening our long-range maritime strike and land-attack capabilities,” Adm. Tripathi said
This complements the deck-based fighters, rotary-wing platforms, that include the shipborne Uncrewed Aviation Systems, extend the Fleet’s ability to undertake persistent surface and air surveillance, standoff anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, logistics support, and search-and-rescue at sea, he said.
(UNI)
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