| INAS 303 | |
|---|---|
 INAS 303 Insignia | |
| Active | 11 May 2013 -present[1] |
| Country |  India |
| Branch |  Indian Navy |
| Garrison/HQ | INS Hansa |
| Nickname(s) | The Black Panthers[1] |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Mikoyan MiG-29K |
TheINAS 303 is anIndian naval air squadron based atINS Hansa.[2]
Indian Navy had contracted for acquisition of 16MiG 29K/KUB carrier based fighter aircraft with RAC MiG on 20 January 2004. Aircraft deliveries began in December 2009 and all 16 aircraft of the main contract were delivered and accepted by the Indian Navy. An option clause contract for 29 additional aircraft was also signed on 8 March 2010. The option was exercised, with delivery of the last of these aircraft scheduled for the end of 2016. Based on the exploitation experience, the first MiG-29K frontline squadron was commissioned on 11 May 2013 at INS Hansa, Goa.CaptainAjay D. Theophilus was the commissioning Commanding Officer.[3][4]
The INAS 303 is the only operational squadron that operates MiG-29K in the Indian Navy. The fighter pilots are qualified to the squadron after receiving jet training fromINAS 551 andINAS 300 operatingHawk Mk 132 and MiG-29K, respectively.[5]
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