Indian Naval Air Arm

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Indian Naval Air Arm

Founded

1961

Country

India

Type

Naval Air Arm

Size

5,000 personnel[1] 181 aircraft

Part of

Indian Navy

Commanders

Current commander

Rear Admiral Vijay Shankar, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Air).[2]

Insignia

Roundel

Fin flash

Aircraft flown

Attack

BAE Sea Harrier

Bomber

Tupolev Tu-142

Fighter

Mikoyan MiG-29K, BAE Sea Harrier

Interceptor

Mikoyan MiG-29K

Patrol

Ilyushin Il-38

Reconnaissance

Ilyushin Il-38

Trainer

HAL HPT-32 Deepak, HAL Kiran

Transport

Dornier Do 228

The Indian Naval Air Arm is a branch of Indian Navy which is tasked to provide an aircraft carrier based strike capability, fleet air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare.
Contents
[hide]

1 History

o o

1.1 Operation Vijay 1.2 India Pakistan War 1971

2 Current Inventory

o o o

2.1 Fixed-wing aircraft 2.2 Helicopters 2.3 UAVs

3 Future of the Naval Air Arm 4 Structure

o o o o o

4.1 Western Command 4.2 Eastern Command 4.3 Southern Command 4.4 Andaman & Nicobar Command 4.5 Muscat (Oman)

5 Former aircraft 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

History

The Alize Anti-Submarine Aircraft used on the Vikrant

The first naval air station, INS Garuda, was inaugurated in Cochin on 11 May 1953.[3] This went hand-inhand with the commissioning of the No.550 Squadron,[4] utilizing Short Sealand aircraft.[5] and Fairey Firefly aircraft[6] 1960 saw the No.300 White Tigers Squadron,[7] consisting of Sea Hawks[8] aircraft being commissioned. In the very next year (1961), INS Vikrant (formerly HMS Hercules) was acquired by the Indian Navy.[9] The 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) R H Tahiliani. That year, the No.310 Cobras Squadron (consisting of Alize aircraft
[8][10]

) was

commissioned. After playing an important role in several major Indian military actions, specifically the liberation of Goa and the India-Pakistan war in 1971, she was decommissioned in January 1997[11] and turned into a museum ship.[12] In 1976, the Indian Air Force handed over Super Constellation[13] aircraft to the No.312 Albatross Squadron[14] in Dabolim, Goa. Being fairly old aircraft at that point, these were withdrawn from active service by 1983. The No.315 Winged Stallions Squadron was commissioned in 1977 [15] with the Ilyushin Il38[16] aircraft.

Operation Vijay
The INS Vikrant participated in Operation Vijay, the liberation of Goa from Portugal. Its role was primarily to deter foreign naval intervention[17] during the 40-hour long military action in December, 1961.

India Pakistan War 1971

The INS Vikrant played a major role in the successful Naval blockade of East Pakistan.[18] Stationed off the Andaman & Nicobar islands along with Indian naval ships, INS Bramhaputra and INS Beas, the Vikrant redeployed towards Chittagong[19] at the outbreak of hostilities. The morning of 4 December 1971, the eight Sea Hawk aircraft on the Vikrant launched an air raid on Cox's Bazaar from 60 nm away. That evening, the air group struck Chittagong harbour. Future strikes targeted Khulna and Mongla. A PTI message is supposed to have read, "Chittagong harbour abalze 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 the 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, the Vikrant's Sea Hawks struck shipping in the Chittagong and Cox's Bazar harbours, sinking or incapacitating most merchant ships there. The PNS Ghazi submarine was deployed to sink the INS Vikrant. However, she sank off Visakhapatnam harbor under mysterious circumstances.[20]

Current Inventory
Main article: List of active Indian military aircraft

Fixed-wing aircraft
Mikoyan MiG-29K

The Mig-29 Ks to be stationed on the INS Vikramaditya

The MiG-29K program was revived by Russia in response to the decision of the Indian Navy to acquire the Soviet aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.[21][22] 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. 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. The first 4 of the 16 aircraft contracted for were inducted into the Indian Navy late 2009. The Indian Navy is likely to buy 29 more of these aircraft. On 20 January 2004, the Indian Navy signed a contract for 12 single-seat MiG-29K and 4 two-seat MiG-29KUB 11(9+2)of 16 delevered. The first MIG-29K for the Indian Navy took flight on 22 January 2007. Though it is ready it is not yet in service.[23] First four of the sixteen aircraft was expected to be delivered by September 2008.[24][25] but has been delayed until the spring of 2009.[26] The fighter plane is different from the MiG-29 flown by Indian Air Force. The aircraft has been made ready for aircraft carrier operation by hardening the undercarriage. The aircraft also has much better over-the-nose vision to make it easy to land aboard a carrier at high angle of attack. The Naval version also has additional fuel carrying capacity as also a capacity to carry more weapons since there are a total of nine stations as against only seven with the Air Force version. The aircraft also has a full glass cockpit with three large size multifunction displays. Modifications were made for Indian Navy requirement featured Zhuk-ME radar, RD-33MK engine, combat payload up to 5,500 kg, 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 updated 4-channel digital fly-by-wire flight control system. With special coatings MiG-29K radar reflecting surface is 4-5 times smaller than of basic MiG-29. Cockpit displays consist of wide HUD and 3 (7 on MiG-29KUB) colour LCD MFDs and 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.[27] 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.[28] A new squadron has been raised & is being christened "Black Panthers". It will get its first batch of four MiG29K fighters later this year. The squadron will (initially IFTU, will be led by Cdr AD Theophilus, an ex-Sea Harrier pilot)[29] BAE Sea Harrier

A Sea Harrier takes off from INS Viraat

The BAE Sea Harrier operates from the INS Viraat.[30] The BAE Sea Harrier FRS Mk.51 / T Mk.60 fly with the INAS 300 and INAS 552 squadrons of the Indian Navy. They were first acquired by the Indian Navy in the mid-1980s. After years of undergoing maintenance in the UK, the Indian Navy launched Project Ashok to set up a maintenance facility in Kochi in 1994. A mid-life upgrade in 1999 for these aircraft was cancelled when the decision was made to purchase MiG-29K air defence fighters, to be deployed aboard the INS Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov). 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.[31] Though the Sea Harriers were expected to remain in service with the Indian Navy till 2012-15, limited upgrades are being performed on these Sea Harriers by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), to extend the life of the aircraft by 15 years.[32] Tupolev Tu-142 The Indian Navy operates eight Tu-142 aircraft. The aircraft was inducted into service in the year 1988. Upgrading of the aircraft are taking place, which helps to extend the service life of the aircraft by sixteen years. One the upgraded aircraft has been handed over to the Indian Navy.[33] The aircraft operates from INS Rajali and INS Hansa. Two Tu-142 aircraft are being fitted with the air launched version of the Brahmos. The aircraft will be the test platform for the Brahmos cruise missiles. The integration and tests of the missile is expected to be completed by 2010.[34] The eight aircraft will be fitted with the Brahmos cruise missiles.[35]

Ilyushin Il-38 Indian Navy operates 5 Il-38 planes. Currently they are being upgraded to use Sea Dragon suite.

Helicopters

Dhruv of the Indian Navy.

A Sea King assigned to the destroyer INS Mumbai.

HAL Dhruv Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Navy received its first Dhruvs on 28 March 2002.[36] 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. 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, 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. Kamov Ka-25 Hormone, Kamov Ka-28 Helix-A, and the Kamov Ka-31 Helix-B: The KA-25 was acquired by the Indian Navy in 1980 for anti-submarine warfare, but had severe technological limitations. The KA28 were acquired in the mid-80s, and were said to be a quantum leap over their predecessors from an ASW standpoint. The KA-31[37] takes the Kamov capabilities even further by enabling real-time networkcentric 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,[38] the helicopter fleet operate from INS Garuda (Kochi) as well as INS Kunjali-II

(Mumbai) 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, capability to work in adverse weather conditions, integration of two anti-ship missiles with a range of fifty kilometres and a new radar.[39] Arospatiale 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 combatant as well as non-combatant ships. They are also operated from and maintained at the INS Kunjali-II and INS Utkrosh Naval Air Stations in Mumbai and Port Blair respectively.

UAVs
The Indian Navy operates at least two squadrons of Heron and Searcher Mk-II UAVs, based in Kochi (INAS 342) and Porbandar (INAS 343).[40][41] There are plans to have at least two more squadrons of UAVs.[42] UAVs are operated from ships to increases the range of surveillance. There are plans to introduce rotary UAVs into the Indian Navy.[43] These UAVs will have higher endurance and load carrying capability resulting in better reconnaissance capabilities.[44]

Future of the Naval Air Arm

HAL Tejas naval variant will be similar to the Tejas trainer variant.

NAL Saras.

HAL Tejas:The naval variant of the Tejas will have strengthened landing gear and other necessary modifications for service on an aircraft carrier. Two Naval prototypes will be built, the NP-1 (Naval Prototype-1) which will be a two seat variant and NP-2 (Naval Prototype-2), a single seat variant for carrier operations. The Tejas is expected to be delivered before 2012.[45] The first flight of NP-1 is expected to take place by the end of 2008 but the carrier trials was delayed due to the delay in the

delivery schedule of INS Vikramaditya. Hence the trials will have to be carried out at the SBTF (Shorebased Test Facility) under construction at the naval airbase INS Hansa in Goa. Indian Navy plans to operate two squadrons (40 aircraft) of carrier borne Tejas aircraft from the two aircraft carries, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.[46] Indian navy has placed an order for six Naval LCAs. At an approximate cost of 150 crore (US$33 million) per aircraft, that will provide a 900 crore (US$198

million) infusion into the Naval LCA programme.[47] The Navy has a requirement of 50-60 Tejas aircraft. The first Naval prototype NP-1, was rolled out in July 2010.[48] NP-1 which is undergoing taxi trials is expected to take to the skies in July 2011. Tejas will replace the Sea harriers in service with the Indian Navy.[49]

P-8I Neptune: New Delhi and Boeing have inked a lucrative, $2.1 billion contract for the delivery of 12 P-8I Neptune sub hunters.The new aircraft will replace a fleet of Russian-manufactured Tupolev-142M planes. P-8I varies from the P-8A. The Magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) has been kept intact while an aft-mounted radar provides 360 degree aerial radar surveillance capability. The aircraft is being readied for debut flight.[50]

Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft: The Indian Navy issued an RFP for six mediumrange maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft. Possible ontenders include ATR-72MP/ ATR42MP, EADS C-295MPA/C-235MPA, Dassault's Falcon 900MPA and Embraer P-99A platforms. The procurement number is enhanced to 9 as per news reports in February, 2012[51].

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye 17 Hawk Trainer[52][53] HAL HJT-36 20 ASW Helicopters (to replace Sea King) Extended to 60 helos
[54]

15 NAL Saras aircraft have been ordered, mostly to replace the Dornier Do-228.[55] The Navy has a requirement for 25 Saras aircraft and design changes are being conducted on the aircraft for using it in maritime environment. The first Naval Saras will roll out in 2014.[56]

40 Unmanned helicopters.[57] This helicopter is under development and will be based on the HAL-built Cheetah helicopters.[58]

Rustom UAV 50 Light Helicopers [59]

Structure

Western Command

Sea Harrier landing on aircraft carrier INSViraat.

HAL Chetak from INS Rana.

On the other hand, 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.[60]

Eastern Command
To protect and preserve India's growing trade with Southeast Asia[61] and offer a bulwark against Chinese dominance in the Bay of Bengal, a new naval base is being built near Visakhapatnam. It is expected to be capable of harboring two aircraft carriers, including the new Vikrant-class aircraft carrier that is being planned. There are 2 more naval air station INS Rajali and INS Parandu in Tamil nadu.

Southern Command
It has at least one airfield INS Garuda in Kochi, Kerala.[62]

Andaman & Nicobar Command

A fighter squadron is expected to be based in Port Blair in the future,[63] to bolster the strength of the squadron of Mi-8 helicopters currently operating there.

Muscat (Oman)
A new airbase will be setup in Muscat, Oman to tackle piracy in the Gulf of Aden. [64]

Former aircraft

Armstrong Whitworth Sea Hawk - maritime strike Breguet Alize - Carrier-based ASW Hughes 269 - training helicopter Lockheed Super Constellation - maritime patrol