About INS Hansa
- INS Hansa is an Indian Naval Air Station located near Dabolim, Goa.
- It is the largest naval airbase in India and houses some of the Indian Navy’s premier air squadrons.
- The base includes a civil enclave, which functions as Dabolim Airport, handling domestic and international flights round-the-clock.
- The station was originally commissioned on at Sulur near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and was initially co-located with the Indian Air Force’s Sulur Air Force Station.
- Following the liberation of Goa, the Navy took over Dabolim airfield in 1962, and INS Hansa was relocated to Dabolim in 1964.
- INS Hansa has earlier witnessed key capability additions, including the commissioning of the second P-8I maritime patrol aircraft squadron in 2022, strengthening shore-based fixed-wing naval operations.
- The Navy is also progressing the acquisition of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian remotely piloted aircraft, which will enable persistent maritime surveillance and enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
- Although formally commissioned at Goa, the MH-60R helicopters have already demonstrated operational effectiveness in Operation Sindoor, TROPEX-25, and the Tri-Services Exercise 2025.
About MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter
- INAS 335 is the second Indian Naval Air Squadron to operate the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, following the commissioning of the first squadron at Kochi, Kerala, in 2024.
- The MH-60R is an all-weather, day-and-night capable, multi-role helicopter designed to operate from ships and shore bases.
- It is optimised for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), enabling detection, tracking, and engagement of enemy submarines.
- The helicopter performs Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) roles against enemy surface vessels.
- It is equipped for Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions during peacetime and combat operations.
- The platform supports Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), improving logistics sustainment of naval task forces at sea.
- The induction of INAS 335 substantially augments integral naval aviation capability on the western seaboard, a region of high strategic and commercial importance.
