Why is this in News?
- The Indian Navy will commission its second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron (INAS 335 – “Ospreys”) on December 17 at INS Hansa, Goa.
- Marks a key milestone in naval aviation modernisation and strengthening India’s blue-water and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) presence.
- Follows the commissioning of the first MH-60R squadron at Kochi in March 2024.
Relevance
GS III – Internal Security & Defence
- Military modernisation
- Naval aviation and force multipliers
GS II – International Relations
- India–US defence cooperation
- Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) security
MH-60R Seahawk: The Basics
- Origin: US-made, Lockheed Martin / Sikorsky.
- Type: Multi-role naval helicopter.
- Role spectrum:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
- Surveillance & reconnaissance
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Maritime interdiction
- Replaces: Ageing Sea King helicopters.
Key Technical Capabilities
- Sensors & Avionics
- Advanced maritime surveillance radar.
- Dipping sonar + sonobuoys (critical for ASW).
- Electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems.
- Weapons
- Air-launched torpedoes.
- Anti-ship missiles.
- Network-centric warfare
- Fully integrated with fleet operations.
- Real-time data sharing with ships and command centres.
Strategic Significance for India
Boost to Blue-Water Navy Ambitions
- Extends operational reach far from the coastline.
- Enables sustained deployments in the IOR.
Anti-Submarine Warfare Edge
- Direct response to:
- Expanding Chinese submarine presence in the IOR.
- Growing undersea contest in the Indo-Pacific.
- Enhances India’s sea denial and deterrence posture.
Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)
- Persistent aerial surveillance over:
- Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
- Chokepoints such as Malacca Strait approaches.
- Supports QUAD and IOR security architecture.
Operational Impact of INAS 335 (Goa)
- Western Seaboard focus:
- Arabian Sea.
- Protection of critical maritime trade routes.
- Complements assets deployed on:
- Aircraft carriers.
- Destroyers and frigates.
- Improves rapid response to asymmetric threats:
- Piracy.
- Maritime terrorism.
- Grey-zone operations.
Conclusion
By inducting the second MH-60R squadron, the Indian Navy decisively strengthens its maritime strike, surveillance, and deterrence capabilities, reinforcing India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
