By: Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd), Editor, GSDN
INAS 335 the Indian Navy’s second MH 60R squadron represents a clear inflection point in the Indian Navy’s rotary wing modernisation, translating years of planning for the MH‑60R Seahawk into a dedicated, shipborne helicopter squadron. Focused on delivering multi‑role, networked air power from the decks of frontline warships, the squadron marks the transition from legacy platforms to a contemporary generation of maritime helicopters.
Rotary Wing Modernisation Thrust
The raising of INAS 335 is part of a deliberate, long‑term effort to recapitalise the Navy’s ship‑borne helicopter fleet. Indian Navy’s drive towards a modern blue‑water force has given a decisive upgrade of its shipborne helicopter fleet. INAS 335 builds on this foundation by fielding a platform conceived from the outset for demanding shipborne roles, bringing rotary wing capability in step with the reach and sophistication of the fleet’s major combatants enhancing their reach.
The MH‑60R aircraft with INAS 335 originate from a 24‑helicopter acquisition programme concluded under Foreign Military Sales, reflecting careful planning of assets, training human capital and sustainment. This programme underpins a broader shift towards network‑enabled, multi‑mission helicopters that can seamlessly plug into task‑group operations in the Indian Navy’s fleet.
A True Multi‑Mission Squadron
INAS 335 will be operating the MH‑60R helicopters designed for all‑weather, day‑and‑night operations across a wide spectrum of missions. The platform is optimised for anti‑submarine warfare, anti-shipping and anti‑surface warfare, while also being configured for search and rescue, medical evacuation and vertical replenishment at sea. This mission versatility makes the squadron a flexible tool in the hands of operational commanders both at shore and afloat. It can shift rapidly from a high‑end combat role to humanitarian or logistics tasks, ensuring that critical aviation support is available across the full range of naval operations from peacetime presence to crisis response.
Technology Driving Capability
The MH‑60R at the core of INAS 335 represents a substantial technological leap over earlier generations of ship‑borne helicopters. An integrated suite of dipping sonar, sonobuoys, maritime surveillance radar and electronic support measures enables the aircraft to build a detailed picture of surface and sub‑surface activity around the force. Onboard data fusion and secure data links allow sensor information to be combined and shared with ship combat systems in real time. This compresses the detect‑to‑engage timeline, reduces uncertainty in the underwater domain and helps commanders make timely decisions in demanding tactical situations.
Extending the Fleet’s Reach and Protection
Operating from fleet ships, INAS 335 extends the protective envelope around naval task groups well beyond the horizon. The aircraft enhances the fleet’s awareness and influence on the high seas. It can rapidly investigate contacts and create a protective ASW and ASuW envelope around task groups, directly contributing to the survivability and confidence of surface forces deployed far from shore. Armed with lightweight torpedoes and other precision weapons, the MH‑60R can convert situational awareness into decisive action, when tasked by the Commander’s.
This combination of reach, persistence and credible firepower significantly enhances the survivability and freedom of manoeuvre of surface forces operating far from the mainland. The operational validations gives the modernisation effort practical credibility, proving that new rotary capabilities are not just theoretical enhancements but field‑tested tools which are ready for action.
Proven in Operations and Exercises
Even before the formalisation of it’s second MH‑60R squadron, MH 60R helicopters have already been employed extensively in fleet activities and have proved their worth in Operation Sindoor and major fleet exercises such including bilateral/ multilateral exercises, demonstrating reliability, interoperability and tactical effectiveness alongside Indian and partner‑nation forces.
INAS 335 builds on this operational foundation by providing a dedicated, cohesive unit focused on optimising tactics, procedures and training for the MH‑60R. The squadron’s work will further refine how these helicopters are integrated with the IN fleet and joint task forces across the Indian Ocean Region.
Building a Future‑Ready Rotary Force
INAS 335 also anchors a new training and professional ecosystem for rotary‑wing operators, maintainers and planners. Exposure to complex avionics, mission systems and ship–air integration norms prepares personnel for a future in which helicopters are tightly woven into the Navy’s wider network‑centric architecture. As a result, the squadron becomes both an operational unit and a template for subsequent rotary‑wing inductions, influencing doctrine, tactics and sustainment model for naval aviation.
In this sense, INAS 335 is not only a new squadron number on the order of battle, but the leading edge of a broader transformation in how the Indian Navy conceives, equips and employs its rotary‑wing force.
About the Author
Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd) is the Founder-Editor, Global Strategic & Defence News and has authored the book “China’s War Clouds: The Great Chinese Checkmate”. He tweets at @JassiSodhi24.
