On 17th December 2025, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned its second (Multi-Mission Helicopter) MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron, Indian Naval Air Squadron 335 (INAS 335) (Ospreys), at Indian Naval Station (INS) Hansa, Goa, marking a key milestone in its modernisation drive and significantly enhancing naval aviation capabilities along the western seaboard.
- The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS).
Exam Hints:
- Event 1: Commissioning of INAS 335, second MH-60R squadron
- Where? INS Hansa, Goa
- By whom? Indian Navy (IN)
- Presided by: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS
- Squadron Command: Capt. Dhirender Bisht
- Aircraft: MH-60R Seahawk helicopters
- Event 2: Final batch of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters delivered
- Received by: Indian Army(IA) (Army Aviation Corps)
- Manufacturer: Boeing (USA)
- Total Helicopters: 6
- Squadron: 451 Army Aviation Squadron(Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
About INAS 335 (Ospreys):
Role: INAS 335 is a frontline naval aviation squadron operating MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, acting as the “eyes, ears, and first hunters” of the fleet.
Command: The squadron is led by Captain Dhirender Bisht and conducts Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Maritime Surveillance, and Search and Rescue operations (SAR).
Strategy: It enhances the IN’s operational reach, blue-water capability, and maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
About MH-60R Seahawk:
Type: The MH-60R is an all-weather, multi-role maritime helicopter capable of day and night operations against conventional and asymmetric threats.
Technology: It is equipped with Multi-Function Displays (MFD), Night Vision Compatible Goggles (NVGs), Global Positioning System (GPS), Multi-mode Radars (MMR), Electro-optical systems (EOS), and Low-frequency Airborne Sonar (LFAS).
Integration: The helicopter is integrated with Missile Warning Systems, Fleet data links, and fully networked with carriers and destroyers for undersea warfare dominance.
Background: The first MH-60R squadron was commissioned at INS Garuda, at Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024.
IA Received Final Batch of AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
On 16 December 2025, the Indian Army (IA) received the final batch of three Attack Helicopters 64 Echo (AH-64E) Apache from Boeing, the United States of America (USA), at Hindon Air Force Station, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
- The delivery of all six AH-64E Apaches, with the final three airlifted by an Antonov An-124 for assembly and inspections, completes the India–USA deal and makes the Army Aviation Corps’ Apache fleet fully operational.
About AH-64E Apache Induction:
Overview: The AH-64E Apache is a multi-role attack helicopter equipped for precision strikes and all-weather, day-and-night missions, featuring Hellfire missiles, 70 millimeter (mm) Hydra rockets, Stinger missiles, a 30 mm chain gun, 360-degree Longbow radar, and an advanced electro-optical targeting system.
Variant: The inducted AH-64E Version 6 features enhanced sensors and avionics, improved weapons integration, and network-centric warfare capability, designed for multi-domain and joint operations in contested battle environments.
Deployment: The helicopters will be stationed at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, under the newly raised 451 Army Aviation Squadron, tasked with operations in the western sector across desert and high-threat environments.
Background: The AH-64E Apache contract was signed in February 2020, with the first three helicopters delivered in July 2025.
About Indian Navy (IN):
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) – Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Motto – “Sam no Varunah”
Established-1950
