Context:

The Indian Navy formally commissioned its second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Osprey), at INS Hansa in Goa on 17 December 2025. The ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. This commissioning marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's ongoing modernization of its naval aviation, substantially enhancing the effectiveness and operational capabilities of its maritime operations.

Background:

The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-role maritime helicopter developed by the U.S. company Sikorsky (now part of Lockheed Martin). India procured these helicopters under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with the United States. The first squadron (INAS 334) was commissioned earlier as part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing drive to modernise and expand its aviation strength.

The MH-60R is a versatile platform capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of missions, including:

·        Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)

·        Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)

·        Surveillance and reconnaissance

·        Search and Rescue (SAR)

·        Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)

Strategic Significance of INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’:

• • Enhanced Maritime Security: Expands the Indian Navy’s airborne anti-submarine and multi-role warfare capabilities, providing a robust deterrent against undersea threats and enhancing maritime domain awareness across extended operational zones. This is particularly crucial given the growing extra-regional naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • Force Modernisation: Reflects the Indian Navy’s ongoing modernisation by integrating advanced foreign platforms. Equipped with modern sensors, avionics, and weapons suites, the MH-60R improves interoperability with partners such as the United States and acts as a potent force multiplier.
  • Blue-Water Capability: Advanced helicopters capable of both independent and ship-borne operations significantly enhance India’s blue-water naval reach and sustain long-duration operations across diverse threat environments.
  • Strategic Posture in the IOR: Expansion of ASW and multi-role aviation assets supports India’s objective of maintaining a secure and stable maritime order in the Indian Ocean Region, which is critical for global trade routes and regional security architecture.

About INS Hansa:

INS Hansa, the naval air station at Goa, is one of the Indian Navy’s premier aviation bases. It has hosted various air squadrons over the years and plays a pivotal role in projecting naval air power along India’s western seaboard. The choice of Goa for the commissioning of INAS 335 underscores the strategic importance of India’s west coast in maritime operations and naval diplomacy.

India–US Defence Linkages:

India’s acquisition and induction of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters reflect the deepening defence cooperation between India and the United States. These helicopters form part of a broader framework of military engagements, technology transfer, and equipment cooperation, enhancing interoperability and operational synergy between the two navies.

Conclusion:

The commissioning of the second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron, INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ at Goa represents a significant leap in strengthening the Indian Navy’s aviation and maritime warfare capabilities. It reinforces India’s role as a responsible maritime power committed to safeguarding its strategic interests across the Indian Ocean, while simultaneously deepening defence cooperation with key global partners.