Introduction

The Indian Navy has achieved a significant milestone with the commissioning of Indian Naval Air Squadron 335 (INAS 335), marking the arrival of the second batch of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters into service. This development strengthens India's maritime security capabilities and represents a crucial step in modernizing the naval air arm. The squadron was officially commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa, cementing India's commitment to advanced naval aviation technology.

This current affairs update is essential for UPSC and competitive exam aspirants, as defence modernization frequently appears in the General Studies Paper 3 (GS-3) section of the UPSC examination.

What is INAS 335?

INAS 335 is a newly commissioned Indian Naval Air Squadron dedicated to helicopter operations. The squadron serves as an integral part of the Indian Navy's airborne capability, designed to enhance anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue operations, and maritime patrol missions across Indian waters.

The establishment of INAS 335 follows India's strategic procurement of advanced military helicopters to upgrade its defence infrastructure and maintain naval dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter: Key Specifications

The MH-60R Seahawk, manufactured by the American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, is one of the most sophisticated naval helicopters in operation globally. Here are the critical specifications relevant for competitive exams:

Performance Capabilities

Operational Ceiling: 12,000 feet altitude range

Maximum Speed: 270 kilometers per hour (kmph)

Range: 830 kilometers per single flight mission

Year of Induction: Officially inducted into service in 2006

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Corporation, USA

Why These Specifications Matter

The MH-60R's high-altitude capability (12,000 feet) ensures it can operate in diverse geographical terrain, including mountainous coastal regions. Its speed of 270 kmph enables rapid response to maritime threats, while the 830 km range allows comprehensive coverage of India's expansive exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Strategic Significance of INAS 335 Commissioning

Strengthening Naval Aviation

The induction of the second batch of MH-60R helicopters represents India's commitment to:

Anti-submarine warfare capabilities — critical for defending against underwater threats

Maritime patrol and reconnaissance — essential for monitoring shipping lanes and EEZ security

Search and rescue operations — vital for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions

Naval interdiction — supporting operations against piracy and illegal maritime activities

Regional Naval Balance

With INAS 335 now operational, the Indian Navy significantly enhances its presence in the Indian Ocean Region. This development:

Strengthens India's ability to respond to emerging maritime security challenges

Demonstrates technological advancement in naval aviation

Contributes to India's broader strategy of "SAGAR" (Security And Growth for All in the Region)

Make-in-India and Defence Self-Reliance

While the MH-60R is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, India's strategic procurement aligns with the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative by:

Building defence sector partnerships with trusted international allies

Creating pathways for future indigenous helicopter development

Generating employment in maintenance, repair, and technical training sectors

Historical Context: The MH-60R Since 2006

The MH-60R Seahawk has been in continuous operational service since 2006, proving its reliability and effectiveness across multiple global navies. The helicopter is:

Combat-proven: Extensively used by the United States Navy and allied nations

Technologically advanced: Features modern avionics, radar systems, and weapon integration

Versatile: Capable of operating from multiple naval platforms including destroyers, frigates, and corvettes

India's adoption of the MH-60R demonstrates confidence in established, battle-tested platforms rather than experimenting with unproven technologies.

Defence Procurement and India's Naval Modernization

Broader Context

The MH-60R acquisition is part of India's ₹6+ lakh crore defence spending aimed at modernizing military capabilities across services. This includes:

INS Hansa Commissioning Location: Situated in Goa, INS Hansa is a premier naval air station integral to India's western fleet operations

Multi-batch procurement approach: The "second batch" of MH-60R helicopters indicates planned, phased modernization

Strategic corridor: The western coast remains critical for Indian maritime security given regional geopolitics

Exam-Relevant Keywords and Concepts

For aspirants preparing for competitive exams, the following concepts are frequently tested:

INAS 335: Timeline and Related Developments

2006: MH-60R officially enters global service

2023-2024: India negotiates procurement of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

December 2025: INAS 335 commissioned as second operational squadron with MH-60R helicopters

Future: Likely expansion of MH-60R squadrons to strengthen Eastern Fleet operations

Why This Matters for Your Exam Preparation

For UPSC Civil Services Examination

INAS 335 commissioning is directly relevant to:

General Studies Paper 3 (GS-3) — Internal Security and Defence

Questions on naval modernization frequently appear

Understanding India's defence acquisition strategy is crucial

Current affairs on military inductions are high-probability exam topics

Current Affairs Section (Prelims and Mains)

Daily GK updates on defence achievements strengthen factual recall

Specific details like "MH-60R," "INS Hansa," and "INAS 335" may appear in objective questions

Context on why modernization matters (regional security, maritime threats) supports essay writing

Interview Preparation

Defence modernization discussions demonstrate current affairs awareness

Understanding India's maritime strategy shows comprehensive knowledge

Familiarity with key equipment and capabilities builds credibility

For Other Competitive Exams

SSC (Combined Graduate Level, CGL): Defence and current affairs questions

Banking Examinations (IBPS/SBI): General awareness sections often test defence knowledge

Defence Services Examinations: Direct relevance to military aspirants

State Civil Services Exams: State-level current affairs and defence questions

Key Takeaways for Revision

INAS 335 = Indian Naval Air Squadron 335 with MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

MH-60R specifications: 12,000 ft ceiling | 270 kmph speed | 830 km range | Made by Lockheed Martin

Commissioned at: INS Hansa, Goa (December 2025)

Strategic importance: Anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, SAGAR doctrine implementation

Broader context: Part of India's naval modernization and defence self-reliance initiatives

Conclusion

The commissioning of INAS 335 with MH-60R Seahawk helicopters represents a significant step in strengthening India's naval capabilities and maritime security posture. This development underscores India's commitment to modern defence infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and maintaining regional security in the Indian Ocean.

For UPSC and competitive exam aspirants, this news exemplifies the type of defence and current affairs updates that frequently appear in examinations. By understanding not just the facts (the helicopter's specifications) but also the strategic context (why India needs these capabilities), you build a comprehensive knowledge base essential for success.

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