GOA:
Indian Navy’s second P-8I aircraft squadron, the INAS 316 was commissioned into the Indian Navy during a ceremony held at INS Hansa, Goa, on March 29.
Presiding over the commissioning ceremony as a chief guest, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar said that India is the ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) which reflects the country’s ability to play an effective strategic role in the region and there is a need to expand its operational reach.
INAS 316 has been christened ‘Condors’ which is one of the largest flying land birds with massive wings, excellent sensory capabilities, powerful and sharp talons symbolising the capabilities of the aircraft.
The aircraft is said to operate as a multi-role Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMR ASW) aircraft that can be equipped with a range of Air-to-Ship Missiles and Torpedoes. The ‘Game Changer’ aircraft is a potent platform for maritime surveillance and strike, electronic warfare missions, search and rescue, detecting and neutralising enemy ships and submarines in IOR.
The squadron will be commanded by Commander Amit Mohapatra, an accomplished Boeing P-8I pilot with extensive operational experience.