In December 1961, INSVikrant participated inOperation Vijay, the liberation ofGoa fromPortugal. Its role was primarily to deter foreign naval intervention during the 40-hour-long military action.[18]
INSVikrant played a major role in the successful naval blockade ofEast Pakistan.[19] Stationed off theAndaman & Nicobar Islands escorted by theLeopard-class frigateINS Brahmaputra, as well asINS Beas,Vikrant redeployed towardsChittagong at the outbreak of hostilities.[20] The morning of 4 December 1971, the eight Sea Hawk aircraft onVikrant launched an air raid onCox's Bazar from 60nautical 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 fromVikrant continued till 10 December 1971.
Given naval intelligence that indicated the intent of thePakistan 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.
TheHughes 269 helicopter was previously in service for training.[21]
TheBAE Sea Harrier inducted in the 1980s operated fromINS Viraat.[22] Until 6 March 2016,[23][24][25] the BAE Sea Harrier FRS Mk.51 / T Mk.60 flew with theINAS 300 andINAS 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 theEltaEL/M-2032 radar and theRafael Derby BVRAAM missiles.[26]
Year 1988 saw the induction ofTupolev 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 theIl-38 patrol aircraft was retired from the force on 31 October 2023. MoreP-8I aircraft are planned to replace them.[30]
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 carrierINS 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 byIndian 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 highangle 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), 13hardpoints (inclusive of the multi-lock bomb carriers), additional fuel tanks situated in dorsal spine fairing and wingLERXs, 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-29Kradar reflecting surface is 4–5 times smaller than of basic MiG-29. Cockpit displays consist of wideHUDs, 3 colour LCDMFDs (7 on the MiG-29KUB), a French Sigma-95 satellite GPS module andTopsight E helmet-mounted targeting system compatible with the full range of weapons carried by the MiG-29M and MiG-29SMT.[35]
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-manufacturedTupolev Tu142M planes. The P-8I varies from the P-8A, wherein it has aMagnetic 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 byBharat 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]
Indian Navy operates 27[42]Dornier 228 and in process to induct 8 more state-of-the-art Dornier foranti-submarine warfare andmaritime patrol fromHindustan 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 inINAS 314.[43]
HAL Dhruv MKIII operated by Indian Navy's INAS 323 Harriers squadron.
HAL Dhruv; developed byHindustan 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 theHAL 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 theKamov Ka-31: The Ka-25 was acquired by the Indian Navy in 1980 foranti-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 theSikorsky SH-3 Sea King: Used principally foranti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search & rescue roles,[50] the helicopter fleet operate fromINS Garuda (Kochi) as well asINS Shikra air stations. US sanctions on India in response to India'snuclear 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 theINS Shikra andINS UtkroshNaval Air Stations in Mumbai and Port Blair respectively.
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 ofSea King helicopters.[52] The Seahawks will be Indian Navy's primary helicopter for a host of roles includinganti-submarine warfare (ASW),anti-surface warfare (ASuW) andairborne early warning and control (AEW&C). The communication equipment like satellite communication andIdentification, 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 withINS 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]
TheIndian Navy operates at least two squadrons ofHeron andSearcher Mk-II UAVs, based inKochi (INAS 342) andPorbandar (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 leasedMQ-9 Reaper for maritime surveillance in the Indian Ocean region.[61] The service also operates aDrishti-10Starliner from Porbandar forISR missions.[62][63]
Fighter: As of 2024,INAS 551 is a pure shore-based fighter training squadron atINS Dega. Fighter pilots initially join this squadron for Naval Orientation Flying before being selected for undergoing conversion training forMikoyan MiG-29Ks atINAS 300. Later the pilots are qualified for operational service with MiG-29Ks withINAS 303.[64]
Fixed-wing:INAS 550 provides Dornier Operational Flying Training to fixed wing pilots atINS Garuda. The pilots are then further posted to operational squadrons equipped with Short Range Maritime Reconnaissance (SRMR) aircraftDornier 228 (INAS 310,311,313,314,318) or Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance (LRMR) aircraftBoeing P-8I Neptune (INAS 312,316).[64] The squadron shall also impart training to pilots of Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraftEADS CASA C-295 planned to be inducted in future.[65][66]
DuringAero India 2025, theChief of Naval StaffAdmiralDinesh K Tripathi and Minister of State for DefenceSanjay Seth released a vision document for naval aviation named Atmanirbhar Indian Naval Aviation Technology Roadmap, 2047. The roadmap focused on being equipping the Naval Air Arm with a 400 aircraft strong fleet capable ofnetwork-cetric operations and indigenising the entire fleet by 2047. As per the document, the Navy will induct multiple aircraft types over the next two decades which include:[76][77][78]
They will be equipped with advanced sensors, glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar,ELINT, optical sensors and networking features.[96]Ministry of Defence has given clearance for procurement on 16 February 2024.[97][98]
On 7 January 2026, the Navy released anRFI[100] to lease 4 amphibious aircraft for 4 years. The document is meant to seek the types available in the market and their capabilities.[101][102]
The helicopters will replace the agingSea King Mk.42B/C helicopters.
They are equipped withMark 54 torpedoes andHellfire air-to-surface missiles, along with precision-kill rockets. India signed a₹15,157crore (equivalent to₹180 billion or US$2.1 billion in 2023) contract for the MH-60Rs in February 2020.[105]
24MH-60Rs were sought through theFMS route in 2018–19.[113][114] The deal was signed in February 2020.[115][116] The deliveries are expected to be complete by 2026-end.[117]
The NMRH is the successor to the MRH programme seeking to replace theSea King Mk 42B/C fleet.
22 August 2017 – AnRFI was issued to acquire 123 Naval Multi-Role Helicopter (NMRH), besides 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), through theStrategic Partnership model. The last date for the foreignOEMs to respond was 6 October.[120][121] 33 would be dedicated toMARCOS use. The payload is expected to include 12 fully equipped troops, 400 kg equipment or 8 troops and an auto inflatable craft in a stowed configuration.[122]
2015–16 – TheUnion government was expected to restart the NUH tender under theMake in India mode with foreign collaboration at a cost of over $2 billion. Reportedly, 11 Indian private sector companies includingTata Advanced Systems,Bharat Forge,Mahindra Aerospace,Reliance Defence & Aerospace andLarsen & Toubro were expected to respond with proposedjoint ventures to offerAirbus AS565 MBe,[127]Bell 429 andAgustaWestland Super Lynx 300. The Navy had a deficit of 61 shipborne helicopters.[128][129] 22 August 2017 – AnRFI was issued to acquire 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), besides 123 Naval Multi-Role Helicopter (NMRH), through theStrategic Partnership model. The last date for the foreignOEMs to respond was 6 October.[120][121] 25 August 2018 – The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the₹21,738crore (US$3.34 billion).[130] While 16 would be imported in flyaway manner, the rest would be produced in India.[131][125] TheRfP would be issued in mid-2018. The weight would remain the same as the previous tender. The armament include one lightweighttorpedo, 12.7 mmheavy machine guns and rocket launchers on both sides for light attack andASW roles.[125] The helicopter would be wheeled and have foldable rotor blades.[121] February 2019 – The RfP was issued to the OEMs and Strategic Partners.
Third attempt:
April 2022 – The NUH was included into the third positive indigenisation list.[132] The Navy had issued the broad requirement of 60ALH-based helicopters toHAL. A detail project report for helicopter configuration, overall cost, including performance based logistics was prepared for the Navy HQ and MoD. This resulted in the concept ofUtility Helicopter-Marine.[133]
To replaceHAL Chetak fleet across Navy and Coast Guard.
Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA) controls training, maintenance and other functions of naval aviation. Aircraft yards atKochi,Kerala andDabolim,Goa are responsible for maintaining the fleet's air arm. An exclusive base,INS Shikra for helicopters was commissioned inMumbai.[143]
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 nearVisakhapatnam.[144] It is expected to be capable of harbouring two aircraft carriers, including the planned newVikrant-class aircraft carrier. There are two more naval air stations,INS Rajali andINS Parundu inTamil Nadu.
^Pillarisetti, Jagan (10 October 2006)."Fairey Firefly [INS112]".Warbirds of India. Archived fromthe original on 9 April 2019. Retrieved20 October 2020.
^Waldron, Greg (22 August 2012)."India issues RFP for 56 naval light utility helicopters".Flight Global.Archived from the original on 6 February 2026. Retrieved6 February 2026.In June 2011, New Delhi issued a request for information for a 75-aircraft, naval multi-role helicopter requirement. This called for a large shipborne helicopter in the 9-12.5t class.
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