Jump to content

Indian Naval Air Arm

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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, SH-3 Sea King, Westland Sea King, HAL Chetak, MH-60R Seahawk
InterceptorMikoyan MiG-29K
PatrolBoeing P-8I, Dornier 228, Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander
TrainerBAE Hawk, HAL Kiran

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.

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

History

[edit]
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 commissioning of No.300 White Tigers Squadron,[9] consisting of Sea Hawks.[10]

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) Radhakrishna Hariram 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-Pakistani war of 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 Being fairly old aircraft at that point, these were withdrawn from active service by 1983.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 the ageing Sea Harrier.[29] after 46 years of service the Il-38 patrol aircraft was retired from the force on 31 October 2023. More P-8I aircraft are planned to replace them.[30]

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

[edit]
See also: List of active Indian military aircraft § Naval Air Arm, and List of Indian naval air squadrons

Fixed-wing aircraft

[edit]

Mikoyan MiG-29K

[edit]
MiG 29K during Malabar 2017 exercise

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.[31][32] 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.[33]

The first squadron, INAS 303, the "Black Panthers",[34] 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.[35]

Boeing P-8I Neptune

[edit]
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 ageing fleet of Russian-manufactured Tupolev Tu142M planes. The P-8I varies from the P-8A, wherein it has a Magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) and an aft-mounted radar that provides it with 360-degree aerial radar surveillance capability.[36] It features communication and other devices on-board that have been indigenously developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).[37] The first squadron, INAS 312, was formed with eight aircraft in November 2015.[36] A follow-on order worth over $1 billion for the purchase of four additional P-8Is was signed in July 2016.[38] The Indian Navy decommissioned the Tupolev Tu-142M aircraft in March 2017.[39] With Boeing delivering the 12th and the final P-8I in February 2022,[40] the second squadron, INAS 316, with four aircraft was formed in March 2022.[41]

Dornier 228

[edit]

Indian Navy operates 27[42] 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.[43]

Helicopters

[edit]
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.

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 Seahawk "Romeo" of Indian Navy

Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk: The Indian Government signed a $2.4 billion contract in February 2020 for 24 MH-60R helicopters to replace its fleet of Sea King helicopters.[52] The Seahawks will be Indian Navy's primary helicopter for a host of roles including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C). The communication equipment like satellite communication and Identification, friend or foe (IFF) equipment for helicopters in this order have been indigenously developed.[53][54] Deliveries commenced in July 2021 when the first 2 helicopters were handed to the Indian Navy.[52] The helicopter was integrated with INS Vikrant in May 2023 with its maiden landing on the aircraft carrier.[55] The first squadron, INAS 334, was formed with six helicopters in March 2024, at Kochi. All remaining helicopters to be delivered by 2025.[53]

UAVs

[edit]

The Indian Navy operates at least two squadrons of Heron and Searcher Mk-II UAVs, based in Kochi (INAS 342) and Porbandar (INAS 343).[56][57] There are plans to have at least two more squadrons of UAVs.[58] UAVs are controlled from ships to increases the range of surveillance. There are plans to introduce rotary UAVs into the Indian Navy.[59] These UAVs will have higher endurance and load carrying capability resulting in better reconnaissance capabilities.[60] Indian Navy operates 2 leased MQ-9 Reaper for maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean region.[61]

Training

[edit]

Retired aircraft

[edit]
Aircraft Role Squadrons No. bought Service from Service till Notes
Short Sealand Amphibious seaplane INAS 550 10 1953 N/A
Fairey Firefly Target tugging INAS 550 10 1955 N/A IN116 crashed, IN112 preserved in Naval Aviation Museum[65][66]
Hawker Sea Hawk Carrier-based fighter INAS 300,

INAS 551

36 1960 1983 Operated from INS Vikrant. There are several surviving aircraft.
Bréguet 1050 Alizé Carrier-based ASW aircraft INAS 310 14 1961 1991 Operated from INS Vikrant. One unit preserved in Naval Aviation Museum.
Hughes 269C Helicopter training N/A N/A N/A N/A One unit preserved in Naval Aviation Museum.[67]
Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation Maritime patrol aircraft INAS 312 N/A 1976 1983 IN315 preserved in Naval Aviation Museum. Replaced by Tupolev Tu-142.
BAe Sea Harrier Carrier-based fighter INAS 300,

INAS 551, INAS 552

30 1988 2016 Operated from INS Viraat and initially from INS Vikrant. During retirement, 12 remained in service.
Tupolev Tu-142 Maritime patrol aircraft, ASW aircraft INAS 312 8 1988 2017 Replaced by Boeing P-8I Neptune.[68] Two units preserved including Beach Road, Visakhapatnam and New Town, Kolkata.[69][70]
Ilyushin Il-38 INAS 315 5 1977 2023 Could carry 2 Sea Eagle and Kh-35E AShM. IN302 and IN304 crashed in 2002.[71] Replaced by Boeing P-8I Neptune.

Future aircraft

[edit]
See also: List of active Indian military aircraft § Naval Air Arm
This section is an excerpt from Future of the Indian Navy § Aircraft.[edit]
Type Picture Role No. of airframes Origin Status Note
Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) Carrier-based multirole fighter N/A  India Design Phase The first flight of the TEDBF is targeted for 2025–26 with the fighter expected to be inducted into the Navy by 2032.
Dassault Rafale 26  France Planned The acquisition is a part of the Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighters programme to acquire 57 fighter jets. The Dassault Rafale-M was chosen over theBoeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Number was revised from 57 to 36 in mid-2020[72] and later to 26 by 2021-end. The deal shall be signed through the G2G process.[73] The Rafale-M was selected for procurement in 2023.[74] The Indian Navy aims to finalise the procurement of the Rafale-M by 2024-end.[75]
HAL HJT-36 Sitara
Intermediate trainer aircraft N/A  India Planned To replace HAL HJT-16 Kiran.[76]
Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial System (NSUAS) Unmanned Rotorcraft/Shipborne UAV 40 Planned Proposal to buy 10 NSUAS for around ₹ 1,300 crores cleared by the government in 2021.[77] RFI to purchase total of 40 units released in 2023.[78][79]
Multi Utility Long Endurance Drone (MULE) Under development Contract signed with Altair Infrasec for MULE RPA which will be a NSUAS class UAV.[80][81]

Primary Roles: C4, ISTAR, SIGNIT, COMINT and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) operations for a Task Force.

Secondary Roles: Anti-piracy, Anti-terrorist activities and assistance in Search and Rescue (SAR).

Payloads: EO/IR, AIS, Maritime Patrol Radar, EW and communication relay with a capacity of >50 kg (110 lb).

Endurance: >12 hours.

IAI-HAL NRUAV  India Israel Planned [82]
MQ-9B SeaGuardian Unmanned combat aerial vehicle 2 in service (on lease)

15 more on order.[83]

 United States On order The final deal was signed on 15 October 2024.[83]
Dornier 228 Anti-submarine warfare, Maritime patrol 12  Germany
 India 		6 in service

6 on order

These aircraft will be equipped with advanced sensors, glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, ELINT, optical sensors and networking features.[84]
EADS C-295 Anti-submarine warfare/ Maritime patrol 9  European Union
 India 		Planned The Indian Navy issued an RFP for six medium-range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft. The possible contenders were the ATR-72MP/ATR-42MP, the EADS C-295MPA/C-235MPA, the Dassault's Falcon 900MPA and the Embraer P-99A. The procurement number has been enhanced to 9 as per news reports in February 2012.[85]

The C-295 was eventually chosen. They will be equipped with advanced sensors, glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, ELINT, optical sensors and networking features.[86] Ministry of Defence has given clearance for procurement on 16 February 2024.[87][88]

Boeing P-8I Neptune Reconnaissance, ASW, ASuW

12 in serice

6 more planned

 United States More planned [89][90]
ShinMaywa US-2
STOL Amphibious Aircraft 12  Japan Planned Indian Navy intends to acquire 12 US-2 amphibian aircraft for conducting long-range search-and-rescue operations at cost of $1.65 billion. Two US-2 will be directly imported and remaining 10 will be assembled locally in India.[91] In April 2018, Mahindra Defence signed an MoU with ShinMaywa Industries Ltd. to manufacture and assemble the aircraft, and set up MRO facility in India.[92][93]
Sikorsky MH-60R Romeo Multi-Role Helicopter 24  United States 5 delivered[94]

19 on order[94]

The helicopters will replace the ageing Sea King helicopters. They are equipped with Mark 54 torpedoes and Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, along with precision-kill rockets. India signed a ₹15,157 crore (equivalent to ₹180 billion or US$2.1 billion in 2023) contract for the MH-60Rs in February 2020.[95]
Naval Multi-Role Helicopter Multi-Role Helicopter 60  India Under development Deck Based Multi Role Helicopter being developed to replace Sea King and augment MH-60R.[96]
Naval Multi-Role Helicopter Multi-Role Helicopter 123  India Planned Requirement issued to HAL[97]
HAL Utility Helicopter-Marine Utility helicopter 111  India Under development To replace HAL Chetak helicopters.[97]
Boeing V-22 Osprey
Tiltrotor military transport aircraft N/A  United States Planned V-22's airborne early warning and control variant may replace the short-range Kamov Ka-31.[98][99]

Structure

[edit]

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.[100]

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.[101] 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.[102] 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.[103] 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.[104]

Notable members

[edit]

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

[edit]
Indian navy related lists
Other Indian navy related
Indian military related

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Naval Air Arm". The Indian Navy. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 21 July 2014.
  2. ^ Bharat-Rakshak – Indian Navy – Administrative Structure Archived 15 March 2009 at the Wayback Machine, bharat-rakshak.com
  3. ^ "WorldAirForces2019.PDF". Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  4. ^ Indian Navy (5 July 2018). "Indian Navy". indiannavy.nic.in. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  5. ^ Baranwal, Sukhdeo Prasad (1971). Military Year-book – India 1965. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  6. ^ Bharat-Rakshak.com – Indian Navy Timeline – "11 May 1953: First Naval Air Station, INS Garuda, inaugurated at Cochin. No.550 Squadron (consisting of Sealand and Firefly aircraft) commissioned" Archived 19 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Naval Aviation Museum, Dabolim, Goa, India – http://www.warbirdsofindia.com Archived 5 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ Naval Aviation Museum, Dabolim, Goa, India – http://www.warbirdsofindia.com Archived 5 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ^ Bharat-Rakshak.com – Indian Navy Timeline – "1960: No.300 White Tigers Squadron (consisting of Sea Hawk aircraft) commissioned." Archived 19 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ a b Naval Aviation Museum, Dabolim, Goa, India – http://www.warbirdsofindia.com Archived 5 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ Baranwal, Sukhdeo Prasad (1971). Military Year-book – India 1965. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  12. ^ Bishop, Chris; Chant, Christopher (15 October 2004). Aircraft Carriers: The World's Greatest Naval Vessels and Their Aircraft By Richard Jones, Chris Bishop, Chris Chant, Christopher Chant. MBI Publishing Company LLC. ISBN 9780760320051. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  13. ^ Hoiberg, Dale (2000). Students' Britannica India By Dale Hoiberg, Indu Ramchandani. Popular Prakashan. ISBN 9780852297605. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  14. ^ INS Vikrant – the naval museum Archived 2 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine Posted by Nita
  15. ^ Naval Aviation Museum, Dabolim, Goa, India – http://www.warbirdsofindia.com Archived 19 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ Bharat-Rakshak.com – Indian Navy Timeline – "1976: No.312 Albatross Squadron (consisting of Super Constellation aircraft) commissioned." Archived 19 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ Bharat-Rakshak.com – Indian Navy Timeline – "01 October 1977: No.315 Winged Stallions Squadron (consisting of IL-38 aircraft) commissioned." Archived 19 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ^ "Sankalp India Foundation – "What happened during Operation Vijay (1961)?"". Sankalpindia.net. 4 January 2009. Retrieved 27 June 2013.[permanent dead link]
  19. ^ Aircraft Carriers: The World's Greatest Naval Vessels and Their Aircraft Archived 27 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine By Richard Jones, Chris Bishop, Chris Chant, Christopher Chant
  20. ^ "YouTube documentary". 13 April 2007. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2013 – via YouTube.
  21. ^ "Indian Naval Hughes 269C". jetphotos.net. Archived from the original on 11 September 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  22. ^ "YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  23. ^ "Indian Navy prepares to retire its Sea Harriers". Janes. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  24. ^ "INAS 300 retires Harriers". Press Information Bureau. Archived from the original on 3 June 2016. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Indian Navy retires Sea Harriers". Defense News. 21 March 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2016.
  26. ^ Bharat-Rakshak.com Archived 7 June 2014 at the Wayback Machine: The White Tigers of Rewa
  27. ^ "Indian Navy bids adieu to TU 142M patrol and anti-sub aircraft". The Economic Times. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  28. ^ a b Pandit, Rajat (11 May 2013). "Commissioning of MiG-29K squadron". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  29. ^ a b "INAS 300 retires Harriers". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 11 May 2016.
  30. ^ Ray, Kalyan. "Indian Navy, IAF decommission old Ilyushin-38, MiG-21 aircraft". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  31. ^ "MIG-29 FULCRUM (MIKOYAN-GUREVICH)". Fas.org. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  32. ^ MiG-29K/KUB FULCRUM-D at Bharat-Rakshak Archived 2 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  33. ^ "First MiG 29 K for Indian Navy takes off". The Indian Express. 23 January 2007. Archived from the original on 25 January 2007. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  34. ^ "Livefist: EXCLUSIVE: Navy's MiG-29K Squadron To Be Called "Black Panthers"". Livefist.blogspot.com. 28 August 2009. Archived from the original on 2 September 2009. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
  35. ^ "Navy's MiG-29K superior to IAF's SU-30MKI". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  36. ^ a b Diplomat, Franz-Stefan Gady, The. "India Inducts First Squadron of Anti-Submarine Warfare Plane". thediplomat.com. Archived from the original on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 25 June 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  37. ^ "BEL supplies P-8I aircraft equipment to Boeing". The Economic Times. 23 December 2010. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  38. ^ "India-US deal to procure four Poseidon-8I aircraft". Deccan Herald. 27 July 2016. Archived from the original on 14 April 2023. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  39. ^ "Indian Navy bids farewell to TU-142M aircraft after 29 years of service". Hindustan Times. 30 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  40. ^ Peri, D (24 February 2022). "Navy gets full complement of P-8I maritime aircraft". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  41. ^ "After 45 years, Indian Navy gets new squadron to keep an eye in the sky". The Times of India. 28 March 2022. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  42. ^ "World Air Forces directory 2022". Flight Global. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  43. ^ "Commissioning of INAS 314 - "RAPTORS"". Indian Navy. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  44. ^ Bharat-Rakshak.com Archived 12 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine: HAL Dhruv at Aero India '05
  45. ^ "Indian Navy Commissions First Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) Squadron". 12 November 2013. Archived from the original on 17 January 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2015.
  46. ^ "The Indian Navy's first Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) was commissioned at Kochi". dna. 12 November 2013. Archived from the original on 9 December 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  47. ^ S. Anandan (11 February 2013). "Navy keen on weaponised Dhruv". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 May 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  48. ^ Newton Sequeira (20 April 2021). "Harriers take flight as Navy inducts indigenous version | Goa News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
  49. ^ Bharat-Rakshak.com Archived 2 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine: Eyes in the Skies
  50. ^ "Sea King". Archived from the original on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2008.
  51. ^ "India to Upgrade 17 Sea King Copters for $300M". Retrieved 6 February 2015.[dead link]
  52. ^ a b "Indian Navy receives first two of 24 MH-60R helicopters from US". India Today. 17 July 2021. Archived from the original on 8 October 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  53. ^ a b Singh, Rahul (3 March 2024). "Navy to raise first MH-60R Seahawk squadron in Kochi on March 6". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  54. ^ Paul, John (29 February 2024). "Six MH 60R multi-mission helicopters to be commissioned into Indian Navy in March". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  55. ^ "MH60R helicopter makes maiden landing on INS Vikrant". The Times of India. 31 May 2023. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  56. ^ "Eye in the sky to guard Gujarat coast". The Times of India. 18 January 2011. Archived from the original on 22 January 2011. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
  57. ^ "Navy to commission UAV squadron at Porbandar". Zee News. 5 January 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2011. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  58. ^ "domain-b.com : Birds of a different feather". Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  59. ^ "Maritime surveillance capability needs to be strengthened: Mehta". The Hindu. 15 December 2006. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  60. ^ "Indian Navy developing new generation UAV". Archived from the original on 15 April 2008. Retrieved 5 June 2008.
  61. ^ "Modi government to fast-track acquisition of lethal Predator drones for Indian Navy and Indian Army". The Financial Express. January 2019. Archived from the original on 23 January 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2019.
  62. ^ a b c "Life on Squadron". joinindiannavy.gov.in. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  63. ^ "Defence Ministry approves acquisition of 15 maritime patrol aircraft: Report". Hindustan Times. 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  64. ^ "Aatmanirbhar Bharat: DAC clears capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore to boost the capabilities of the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  65. ^ "Fairey Firefly TT.1 & TT.4". www.bharat-rakshak.com. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  66. ^ Pillarisetti, Jagan (10 October 2006). "Fairey Firefly [INS112]". Warbirds of India. Archived from the original on 9 April 2019. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  67. ^ "Indian Naval Hughes 269C". jetphotos.net. Archived from the original on 11 September 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2013.
  68. ^ "De-Induction Of Indian Navy's TU142M Aircraft and Induction of Boeing P 8 I Into INAS 312". Press Information Bureau (Press release). 29 March 2017. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  69. ^ "TU 142M Aircraft Museum at Visakhapatnam". Indian Navy. Archived from the original on 14 September 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
  70. ^ "Indian Navy aircraft arrives in city, to be soon put up at naval museum". The Statesman. 17 February 2020. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  71. ^ "India navy planes collide in mid-air". 1 October 2002 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  72. ^ Peri, Dinakar (6 December 2020). "Indian Navy wants to join IAF in fighter jet shopping". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
  73. ^ Pubby, Manu (6 January 2022). "Carrier-borne jet search begins with Rafale demo". The Economic Times. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  74. ^ Iyer-Mitra, Abhijit (13 July 2023). "Why India chose Rafale-M over F/A-18 Super Hornet". India Today. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  75. ^ Negi, Manjeet (10 September 2024). "Navy plans to finalise deals for submarines, Rafale jets, drones by end of 2024". India Today. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  76. ^ "HAL's Star Trainer reputation goes into a tailspin". Archived from the original on 17 January 2016.
  77. ^ "Centre Approves Indian Navy Proposal To Buy 10 Shipborne Drones". NDTV. ANI. 1 January 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  78. ^ Tiwari, Sakshi (7 July 2022). "20 Years Of Fiasco: Indian Navy Officially Begins Hunt For 'Naval Drones' That Can Boost Its Might In Indian Ocean". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  79. ^ "REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) FOR NAVAL SHIPBORNE UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (NSUAS)FOR INDIAN NAVY | Indian Navy". www.indiannavy.nic.in. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  80. ^ "MULTI UTILITY LONG ENDURANCE DRONE (NSUAS CLASS) FOR USE IN MARITIME DOMAIN FOR C4ISR DUTIES". idex.gov.in. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  81. ^ @IndiannavyMedia (24 October 2024). "Presenting the Multi Utility Long Endurance (MULE) RPA by Altair Infrasec Pvt Ltd at Swavlamban 2024, pushing the boundaries of #maritimetechnology and powering India's naval self-reliance mission..." (Tweet). Retrieved 1 November 2024 – via Twitter.
  82. ^ "IAI completes unmanned helicopter development work". Archived from the original on 8 December 2015.
  83. ^ a b "India, US sign deal worth Rs 32,000 crore for buying 31 Predator drones". ANI. 15 October 2024. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  84. ^ "Commissioning of INAS 314 - "Raptors"". Press Information Bureau. 29 November 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
  85. ^ "India approves USD 1.5 billion aircraft deal for Navy – Brahmand News". brahmand.com. Archived from the original on 3 June 2015.
  86. ^ "Centre to order 15 more C-295s from Tata-Airbus' Vadodara facility: Report". 12 December 2022.
  87. ^ "Defence Ministry approves acquisition of 15 maritime patrol aircraft: Report". Hindustan Times. 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  88. ^ "Aatmanirbhar Bharat: DAC clears capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 84,560 crore to boost the capabilities of the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  89. ^ Vavasseur, Xavier (3 May 2021). "United States Approves Possible FMS of 6 P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India". Naval News. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  90. ^ "India requests six additional P-8I maritime multi-mission aircraft from US". Default. 27 July 2020. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  91. ^ "Aero India 2015: ShinMaywa confident of progress on US-2 sale to India". Jane's.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2015.
  92. ^ "DefExpo 2018: Amphibious Aircraft US-2 to be made in India". The Times of India. 11 April 2018. Archived from the original on 11 June 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  93. ^ "Mahindra, Shinmaywa Industries' tie-up; hope to make US-2 amphibious plane for Indian Navy". 11 April 2018. Archived from the original on 12 April 2018. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  94. ^ a b "Romeos are coming to India! Long wait for MH-60R multi-mission helicopter for Indian Navy is over". www.financialexpress.com. 28 July 2022.
  95. ^ "Indian Navy Set to Receive Three MH-60 'Romeo' Multi-role Helicopters from US in July". news18.com. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
  96. ^ "India's IMRH Project: Uplifting The Indigenisation". 19 April 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2022.
  97. ^ a b Peri, Dinakar (14 April 2022). "Navy to get variants of indigenous helicopters". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  98. ^ "India; ARC mulls OV-22 Osprey buy". dmilt.com. Archived from the original on 18 May 2015. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  99. ^ "India Outlines New Carrier Ambitions".
  100. ^ "Navy chief calls for enhanced preparedness". The Hindu. 23 January 2009. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  101. ^ [1] Archived 17 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine: Western Command
  102. ^ [2] Archived 18 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine: Southern Command
  103. ^ "Naval air base to tackle piracy". Business Line. Archived from the original on 6 November 2010. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  104. ^ "Naval air station opened in Campbell Bay". 1 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aircraft of the Indian Navy.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Indian_Naval_Air_Arm&oldid=1251892625"