Indian Naval Air Arm

The Indian Naval Air Arm is the aviation branch and a fighting arm of the Indian Navy which is tasked to provide an aircraft carrier based strike capability, fleet air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare.

Indian Naval Air Arm
Founded1948 (1948)[1]
CountryIndia
TypeNaval aviation
RoleSea-to air-combat, surface attack, anti-submarine warfare, Search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance, weather observation, and material transportation.
Size23 squadrons
5,000 personnel[2]
Approx. 300 aircraft[3]
Part ofIndian Navy
Commanders
Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA)Rear admiral Ajay D. Theophilus
Insignia
RoundelRoundel
Fin flashThe IN Fin Flash
Aircraft flown
FighterMikoyan MiG-29K
HelicopterHAL Dhruv, Kamov Ka-27, Kamov Ka-31, SH-3 Sea King, Westland Sea King, HAL Chetak , MH-60R Seahawk
Utility helicopterHAL Dhruv
InterceptorMikoyan MiG-29K
PatrolIlyushin Il-38, Boeing P-8I, Dornier 228, Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
ReconnaissanceIAI Heron, IAI Searcher Mk II, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, Kamov Ka-31
TrainerBAE Hawk, HAL Kiran, Pilatus PC-7, Pipistrel Virus

The Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA) appears to direct the field operations of the air arm.[4]

History
A Bréguet 1050 Alizé anti-submarine aircraft taking off from INS Vikrant

The first naval air station, INS Garuda, was inaugurated in Cochin on 11 May 1953.[5] This went hand-in-hand with the commissioning of the No.550 Squadron,[6] utilising Short Sealand aircraft[7] and Fairey Firefly aircraft[8]

1960 saw the No.300 White Tigers Squadron,[9] consisting of Sea Hawks[10] aircraft being commissioned.

In the very next year (1961), INS Vikrant (formerly HMS Hercules) was acquired by the Indian Navy.[11] Vikrant's initial airwing consisted of British Hawker Sea Hawk fighter-bombers and a French Alize anti-submarine aircraft. On 18 May 1961, the first jet landed on board, piloted by Lieutenant (later Admiral) R H Tahiliani. That year, the No.310 Cobras Squadron (consisting of Alize aircraft[10][12]) was commissioned. After playing an important role in several major Indian military actions, specifically the liberation of Goa and the India-Pakistan war in 1971, she was decommissioned in January 1997[13] and turned into a museum ship.[14]

In 1976, the Indian Air Force handed over Super Constellation[15] aircraft to the No.312 Albatross Squadron[16] in Dabolim, Goa. Being fairly old aircraft at that point, these were withdrawn from active service by 1983. To replace them in the maritime patrol role, Soviet aircraft were acquired. The No. 315 Winged Stallions Squadron was commissioned in 1977 with the Ilyushin Il-38 aircraft.[17]

In December 1961, INS Vikrant participated in Operation Vijay, the liberation of Goa from Portugal. Its role was primarily to deter foreign naval intervention during the 40-hour-long military action.[18]

INS Vikrant played a major role in the successful naval blockade of East Pakistan.[19] Stationed off the Andaman & Nicobar Islands escorted by the Leopard-class frigate INS Brahmaputra, as well as INS Beas, Vikrant redeployed towards Chittagong at the outbreak of hostilities.[20] The morning of 4 December 1971, the eight Sea Hawk aircraft on Vikrant launched an air raid on Cox's Bazar from 60 nautical miles (110 km; 69 mi) away. That evening, the air group struck Chittagong harbour. Other strikes targeted Khulna and Mongla. A PTI message is supposed to have read, "Chittagong harbour ablaze as ships and aircraft of the (Pakistan) Eastern Naval Fleet bombed and rocketed. Not a single vessel can be put to sea from Chittagong". Air strikes staged from Vikrant continued till 10 December 1971.

Given naval intelligence that indicated the intent of the Pakistan Navy to break through the Indian Naval blockade using camouflaged merchant ships, Vikrant's Sea Hawks struck shipping in the Chittagong and Cox's Bazar harbours, sinking or incapacitating most merchant ships there.

The Hughes 269 helicopter was previously in service for training.[21]

A Sea Harrier takes off from INS Viraat

The BAE Sea Harrier inducted in the 1980s operated from INS Viraat.[22] until 6 March 2016,[23][24][25] The BAE Sea Harrier FRS Mk.51 / T Mk.60 flew with the INAS 300 and INAS 552 squadrons of the Indian Navy. The Sea Harriers are armed with the Matra Magic-II AAM and the Sea Eagle Anti-ship missiles. The aircraft were upgraded with the Elta EL/M-2032 radar and the Rafael Derby BVRAAM missiles.[26]

Tu-142MK-E

Year 1988 saw the induction of Tupolev 142M into service. The aircraft started operations from Dabolim in Goa and later shifted its operations to INS Rajali in 1992. Tu-142M was primarily used in the long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare role. The aircraft served the navy till 2018 and participated in the Indian Peace Keeping Mission in Sri Lanka. Also participated in Operation Cactus in Maldives, in which the fleeing mercenaries were detected and tracked until apprehended by ships.[27]

On 11 May 2013, first squadron of MiG-29K was commissioned.[28] These aircraft were commissioned as a replacement of ageing Sea Harrier.[29]

The Naval Aviation Museum located in Bogmalo, 6 km (3.7 mi) from Vasco da Gama, Goa, India showcases the history of the Naval Air Arm.

Aircraft inventory
See also: List of active Indian military aircraft § Naval Air Arm, and List of Indian naval air squadrons

Mikoyan MiG-29K
MiG 29K during Malabar 2017 exercise

Indian Navy to acquire the Soviet aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.[30][31] As reported by MiG Bureau, the Indian Navy's association with the MiG-29K began in Apr 2002 when a team led by Commander Gupta reached Moscow to evaluate the MiG-29K prototype for possible induction into the Indian Navy. The Team evaluated the aircraft on ground as well as in the air (the flight evaluation was conducted by a Navy Test Pilot Commander Ahuja). Some other aircraft were also evaluated but the MiG-29K was chosen. On 20 January 2004, the Indian Navy signed a contract for 12 single-seat MiG-29K and 4 two-seat MiG-29KUB. The first MIG-29K for the Indian Navy took flight on 22 January 2007. The MIG-29 KUB (two-seat trainer) is similar to the MIG-29K but with reduced operational range. The aircraft will be fielded on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.[32]

The first squadron, INAS 303, the "Black Panthers",[33] was commissioned on 11 May 2013.[28] On 11 July 2016, second squadron, INAS 300, was commissioned.[29] The delivery of the aircraft to the Indian Navy started in 2009.

The fighter plane is different from the MiG-29 flown by Indian Air Force. The aircraft has been modified for aircraft carrier operation by hardening the undercarriage. It also has much better 'over-the-nose' vision to make it easy to land aboard a carrier at a high angle of attack. Modifications made for Indian Navy requirement featured Zhuk-ME radar, RD-33MK engine, combat payload up to 5,500 kg (12,100 lb), 13 hardpoints (inclusive of the multi-lock bomb carriers), additional fuel tanks situated in dorsal spine fairing and wing LERXs, increased total fuel capacity by 50% comparing to first variant of MiG-29 and an updated 4-channel digital fly-by-wire flight control system. With special coatings, the MiG-29K radar reflecting surface is 4–5 times smaller than of basic MiG-29. Cockpit displays consist of wide HUDs, 3 colour LCD MFDs (7 on the MiG-29KUB), a French Sigma-95 satellite GPS module and Topsight E helmet-mounted targeting system compatible with the full range of weapons carried by the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT.[34]

Boeing P-8I Neptune
A Boeing P-8I of the Indian Navy

New Delhi and Boeing signed a $2.1 billion contract in January 2009 to deliver eight P-8Is for anti-submarine operations, to replace the fleet of Russian-manufactured Tupolev Tu142M planes. The P-8I varies from the P-8A, with the Magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) has been kept intact while an aft-mounted radar provides 360-degree aerial radar surveillance capability.[35] Many of the communication and other devices on-board are developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).[36] The first squadron, INAS 312, was formed with eight aircraft in November 2015.[35] A follow-on order worth over $1 billion for the purchase of four additional P-8Is was signed in July 2016.[37] The Indian Navy decommissioned the Tupolev Tu-142M aircraft in March 2017.[38] With Boeing delivering the 12th and the final P-8I in February 2022,[39] the second squadron, INAS 316, with four aircraft was formed in March 2022.[40]

Dornier 228

Indian Navy operates 27[41] Dornier 228 and in process to induct 8 more state-of-the-art Dornier for anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. These aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors, glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, ELINT, optical sensors and networking features. Currently 4 of Dornier 228 NG aircraft in service in INAS 314.[42]

Ilyushin Il-38

Indian Navy operates 5 Il-38 planes but two were lost in a mid-air collision in 2002.[43] Currently they are being upgraded to use the Sea Dragon avionics suite.

Helicopters
HAL Dhruv MKIII operated by Indian Navy's INAS 323 Harriers squadron.

HAL Dhruv; developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Navy received its first Dhruvs on 28 March 2002.[44][45] It is expected to receive a total of 120 units to replace the Chetak helicopters in service. The naval variant is fitted with the Super Vision-2000 maritime radar, capable of detecting targets with low radar cross-section at a range of 200 km (120 mi). The anti-submarine version of the helicopter is fitted with dunking sonar, torpedoes, depth charges. The helicopter may also be fitted with the missiles for anti-ship roles. However, in 2008, the Indian Navy pronounced Dhruv unsuitable for its role as an ASW platform. Indian Navy will continue to procure Dhruv as a multi-role utility platform. During the commissioning ceremony Vice Admiral Sinha said that "In the Navy, Dhruv helicopters have transformed into an advanced search and rescue (SAR) helicopter also used for missions like heliborne operations, and armed patrol with night vision devices. Such machines in the inventory have become imperative for the Navy given the scenario of low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and coastal security construct."[46] In 2013 Indian Navy showed keen interest in the armed version of the HAL Rudra. Impressed with the Dhruv's sensors which were able to track ships and also read their names at ranges of 12 to 14 km (7.5 to 8.7 mi). The Navy may induct 20 more helicopters into service.[47] A new squadron INAS 323 Harriers was commissioned with HAL Dhruv MKIII variant. Navy placed order for 16 MKIII helicopters and 6 of them are delivered with the remaining 10 to be delivered by Dec 2021. Naval variant of MKIII comes with 19 specific systems suited for maritime role.[48]

Kamov Ka-25, Kamov Ka-28, and the Kamov Ka-31: The Ka-25 was acquired by the Indian Navy in 1980 for anti-submarine warfare, but had severe technological limitations. The Ka-28s were acquired in the mid-80s and were said to be a quantum leap over their predecessors from an ASW standpoint. The Ka-31[49] takes the Kamov capabilities even further by enabling real-time network-centric warfare for the Indian Navy.

MH-60R Seahawk of Indian Navy

Westland Sea King and the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King: Used principally for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search & rescue roles,[50] the helicopter fleet operate from INS Garuda (Kochi) as well as INS Shikra air stations. US sanctions on India in response to India's nuclear tests resulted in a large part of the Sea King fleet being grounded for want of spare parts. Seventeen of the Sea King helicopters will be upgraded. The upgrade will feature day and night capability, the capability to work in adverse weather conditions, integration of two anti-ship missiles with a range of fifty kilometers and a new radar.[51]

Aérospatiale SA 316 Alouette III: Also known as the Chetak, these choppers have seen active service in the Navy as well as the Coast Guard. They are carried on several combatants as well as non-combatant ships. They are also operated from and maintained at the INS Shikra and INS Utkrosh Naval Air Stations in Mumbai and Port Blair respectively.

MH-60R helicopters – The Indian navy is purchasing 24 MH-60R helicopters to replace its Sea king ASW fleet. On 17 July 2021 first 2 helicopters were inducted in service 22 more to be delivered soon.[52]

UAVs

The Indian Navy operates at least two squadrons of Heron and Searcher Mk-II UAVs, based in Kochi (INAS 342) and Porbandar (INAS 343).[53][54] There are plans to have at least two more squadrons of UAVs.[55] UAVs are controlled from ships to increases the range of surveillance. There are plans to introduce rotary UAVs into the Indian Navy.[56] These UAVs will have higher endurance and load carrying capability resulting in better reconnaissance capabilities.[57] Indian Navy operates 2 leased MQ-9 Reaper for maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean region.[58]

Future aircraft
See also: Future of the Indian Navy § Aircraft
Fixed-wing aircraft
HAL TEDBF.
Helicopters
A HAL Light Utility Helicopter
UAVs

Structure

Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA) controls training, maintenance and other functions of naval aviation. Aircraft yards at Kochi, Kerala and Dabolim, Goa are responsible for maintaining the fleet's air arm. An exclusive base, INS Shikra for helicopters was commissioned in Mumbai.[76]

To protect and preserve India's growing trade with Southeast Asia and offer a defence against increasing Chinese naval presence in the Bay of Bengal, a new naval base is being built near Visakhapatnam.[77] It is expected to be capable of harbouring two aircraft carriers, including the planned new Vikrant-class aircraft carrier. There are two more naval air stations, INS Rajali and INS Parundu in Tamil Nadu.

Southern Command has at least one airfield, INS Garuda, in Kochi, Kerala.[78] The Hindu reported on 2 February 2009 that a new airbase will be set up in Muscat, Oman to tackle piracy in the Gulf of Aden.[79] Three years later in 2012 it is not clear whether any action has been taken on this proposal. The southernmost naval air station, INS Baaz was formally opened on 31 July 2012 by the Chief of the Indian Navy at Cambell Bay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With the commissioning of this station, the country acquired increased capability to keep vigil on the vital maritime channel of the Straits of Malacca.[80]

Notable members

Four naval aviators have risen to become the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) - Admirals R. H. Tahiliani, Arun Prakash, Sureesh Mehta and Karambir Singh.

See also
Indian navy related lists
Other Indian navy related
Indian military related

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