Why in News?
- Indian Navy commissioned its 2nd MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron (INAS 335) at INS Hansa, Goa, to strengthen anti-submarine warfare and blue-water naval capabilities.
- Squadron: INAS 335 (nickname: Ospreys)
- Location: INS Hansa, Goa
- Aircraft:MH-60R Seahawk
- US-origin, multi-role naval helicopter
- Developed by Sikorsky / Lockheed Martin
- Indian variant of the US Navy’s Seahawk
- Primary Role: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Other Roles:
- Anti-surface warfare
- Maritime surveillance & reconnaissance
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Medical evacuation
- Naval logistics & vertical replenishment
- Key Capabilities:
- Advanced mission system integrating multiple sensors
- Uses sonar, sonobuoys and torpedoes to detect submarines
- Can be armed with torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, rockets and guns
- Operates from aircraft carriers, warships and shore bases
- Strategic Significance:
- Enhances blue-water naval operations
- Improves undersea domain awareness
- Can counter conventional and asymmetric maritime threats
- Procurement Facts:
- 24 MH-60R helicopters acquired from the US
- Cost: ~₹15,000 crore
- Replacing ageing Sea King helicopters
- Includes five-year sustainment package (spares, repairs, technical support)
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040