Launched as a modest air station on September 5 in the late 1950s with only a few aircraft, INS Hansa has increased its prowess over the last six decades…reports Asian Lite News
INS Hansa, the Indian Navy’s premier air station in Goa on Sunday celebrated its diamond jubilee of commissioning.
Launched as a modest air station on September 5 in the late 1950s with only a few aircraft, INS Hansa has increased its prowess over the last six decades and is presently operating over 40 military aircraft, clocking an average yearly flying of over 5000 hours.
The air station also supports civil aviation by handling domestic and international flights 24×7, with an average of 29000 flights in a year.
INS Hansa is the abode of the Indian Navy’s frontline air squadrons – INAS 310 ‘Cobras’ with Dornier-228 aircraft, INAS 315 ‘Winged Stallions’ with the long range maritime patrol aircraft IL-38SD, INAS 339 ‘Falcons’ with the airborne early warning Kamov-31 helicopter; INAS 303 ‘Black Panthers’ and INAS 300 ‘ White Tigers’ with the supersonic carrier-borne MiG 29K fighters, and INAS 323 ‘Harriers’ with ALH Mk III helicopters.
Speaking on the occasion, Ajay D Theophilus, Commanding Officer, INS Hansa said, “Over the years, the base has represented a crucial segment of the Navy’s combat power. Aircraft from Hansa augment the security of the entire western seaboard significantly, including offshore assets, and undertake extensive surveillance to neutralise threats at and from the sea. The base has also provided substantial aid to civil authorities in the form of search and rescue, HADR, flood relief, community activities and numerous Vande Bharat flights.” (India News Network)