New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to commission Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 335, christened ‘Ospreys’, marking a significant addition to the Navy’s maritime aviation capabilities and further strengthening India’s coastal and offshore security architecture.
The new squadron will operate Dornier 228 aircraft, a proven maritime patrol and surveillance platform widely used by the Indian Navy for coastal reconnaissance, search and rescue, pollution monitoring, and humanitarian assistance missions. INAS 335 will be based at INS Garuda, Kochi, a key naval air station on the western seaboard.
Boost to Maritime Domain Awareness
The commissioning of INAS 335 comes at a time when maritime domain awareness has become central to India’s national security strategy. With increased commercial shipping, offshore energy assets, and evolving security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Navy’s emphasis on surveillance and rapid response has grown steadily.
The Dornier 228 aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors and communication systems, enabling real-time monitoring of maritime activity, tracking of vessels, and coordination with surface and subsurface naval assets. Their versatility allows them to operate effectively in both peacetime surveillance roles and during contingencies.
Operational Role and Strategic Importance
INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’ will play a crucial role in coastal security operations, including monitoring India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), assisting civil authorities during natural disasters, and supporting anti-smuggling and anti-piracy missions. The squadron will also contribute to joint operations with the Coast Guard and other maritime agencies, enhancing inter-agency coordination.
Naval officials noted that the induction of the squadron reflects the Navy’s continued focus on force augmentation through reliable, mission-ready platforms while maintaining high operational availability.
Part of a Broader Modernisation Drive
The commissioning of INAS 335 is aligned with the Indian Navy’s broader modernisation and capacity-building programme, which includes the induction of new warships, submarines, aircraft, and unmanned systems. Together, these initiatives aim to ensure credible deterrence, secure sea lines of communication, and safeguard India’s maritime interests.
With the ‘Ospreys’ taking to the skies, the Indian Navy adds another vital link in its layered maritime surveillance network—reinforcing its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.