Navy commissions UAV squadron in Gujarat

PORBANDAR - Maritime reconnaissance efforts on India’s west coast got a boost Monday with the navy commissioning an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) squadron at its air enclave here.

Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal declared the squadron, designated as INAS 343, commissioned and this will be the first operational UAV Squadron under the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command, considered to be the sword arm of Indian Navy.

The naval UAV squadron, nicknamed ‘Frontier Formidables’, is expected to enhance the maritime surveillance and coastal security in the region. The squadron will operate the Israeli Search MkII and Heron UAVs.

Capable of beaming real-time live pictures of maritime targets to commands ashore, the UAVs will enhance the joint war waging capability in the region by synergising capabilities of the army, air force, Coast Guard and local authorities.

“The commissioning of INAS 343 is a short in the arm for the Western Naval Command enhancing its capability and reach in the maritime frontiers. The formation of this squadron at Porbandar is of utmost relevance and allows the Indian Navy to patrol the northern portion of the Arabian Sea,” a Navy spokesperson said in New Delhi.

“The location is ideal for covering the Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) coming from the Gulf as well as providing surveillance cover to high value assets on western coast,” he said.

In her address, the governor said a powerful Navy should be regarded as an appropriate and natural means of power projection, deterrence and national defence.

In 2002, the Navy had procured maritime versions of Searcher MKII and Heron from Israel and in 2003, post training of operator crew in Israel, an Intensive Flying Trial Unit (IFTU) was established at Kochi.

After three years of extensive flying and trials, the first UAV Squadron, INAS 342, was commissioned on Jan 6, 2006. This Squadron has a dual task of undertaking operational missions besides providing training.