Navy To Commission Second MH-60R Squadron INAS 335, Boosting ASW Capabilities, On Dec 17
More than a year after the Indian Navy commissioned the newly inducted MH-60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter at INS Garuda, Kochi, it is set to induct the second group, in a move aimed at modernisation and capability enhancement.
Indian Navy will commission its second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), in the coming week on Wednesday (December 17, 2025), at INS Hansa, Goa, marking another milestone in the ongoing modernisation drive. The ceremony will be held in the presence of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
The induction of INAS 335 follows the operationalisation of the Navy’s first MH-60R unit and reflects a steady expansion of India’s frontline naval aviation capabilities. Worth mentioning here is that the helicopters are a part of the 24-aircraft FMS contract signed with the US government in Feb 2020.
How the MH-60R enhances Indian Navy combat power
The MH-60R Seahawk is among the most advanced multi-role naval helicopters in service globally, equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors, avionics and weapons. Designed for operations from frontline warships, the platform significantly enhances the Navy’s ability to counter both conventional and asymmetric maritime threats.
Key operational roles include anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and over-the-horizon targeting. Its advanced mission systems enable rapid detection, tracking and engagement of hostile submarines and surface vessels, extending the reach of Indian Navy task forces well beyond the horizon.
Last month, the Minister of Defence signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States for a long-term agreement, valued at nearly Rs 8,000 crore, in order to provide sustainment support of Indian Navy’s fleet of MH60R Seahawk multirole helicopters.
MH-60R Seahawk: Fully integrated with fleet operations
The MH-60R helicopters have already been fully integrated into fleet operations and have demonstrated their effectiveness during operational deployments. The platform’s ability to operate seamlessly with Indian Navy ships and networked combat systems provides a force multiplier effect, particularly in the Indian Ocean Region.
MH 60R helicopter would enhance India’s blue-water capabilities, extending the operational reach of the Navy and supporting sustained naval operations across spectrums and over vast maritime domains. The Seahawk’s deployment in the IOR would strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime presence.
The commissioning of INAS 335 is expected to deliver a significant boost to integral aviation capability, improving situational awareness, response time and lethality of surface combatants.
A key step in naval aviation modernisation
The addition of a second MH-60R squadron underscores the Indian Navy’s focus on technology-driven capability enhancement. As maritime security challenges evolve, particularly in undersea warfare and grey-zone operations, platforms like the MH-60R play a critical role in maintaining sea control and deterrence.
With INAS 335 set to become operational, the Indian Navy strengthens its ability to safeguard national maritime interests and ensure readiness across a wide spectrum of naval operations.
