The Indian Navy is set to commission its second MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), on December 17, 2025, at INS Hansa in Goa. The commissioning ceremony will be held in the presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. This event marks a significant boost to the Indian Navy's aviation capabilities and modernization efforts.
The MH-60R helicopter, also known as the "Romeo," is a versatile and advanced multi-mission aircraft designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), surveillance, and search and rescue (SAR) operations. Its advanced weapons, sensors, and avionics suite make it capable of addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats. The MH-60R is equipped with torpedoes, missiles, rockets, and crew-served guns, making it a formidable asset in various operational scenarios. Its fully integrated mission system swiftly processes vast amounts of sensor data, providing the crew with a comprehensive understanding of the ocean's surface and sub-surface domains.
The commissioning of INAS 335 will provide a significant fillip to the Indian Navy's integral aviation capabilities. The MH-60R has already been integrated into fleet operations and has proven its effectiveness on numerous occasions. The addition of this squadron will enhance the Navy's ability to respond to threats and maintain maritime security in the region.
India signed a contract with the U.S. government in February 2020 for 24 MH-60R helicopters under the Foreign Military Sales program. Deliveries of these helicopters began in 2021, and approximately 15 have been inducted into the Indian Navy as of December 2025. The first MH-60R helicopter squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned on March 6, 2024, at INS Garuda in Kochi.
Earlier this month, the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed a $946 million sustainment deal for the 24 MH-60R helicopters. This deal will further enhance the Indian Navy's maritime capabilities and interoperability with the U.S. and regional partners.
The Indian Navy has a long history of naval aviation, dating back to the establishment of the Directorate of Naval Aviation in 1948. The first Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS), INAS 550, was commissioned in 1959. Today, the Indian Navy operates twenty-five air squadrons, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter squadrons, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) squadrons. INAS 335 will be a valuable addition to this diverse and capable fleet, strengthening India's maritime security and power projection capabilities. In addition to the commissioning of INAS 335, the first indigenously built Diving Support Craft, DSC A20, will join the fleet in Kochi on December 16.
