Chennai: Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 313 – Sea Eagle – the fifth dornier aircraft squadron was commissioned into the Indian Navy by its chief Admiral Karambir Singh at a ceremony held at Naval Air Enclave, Meenambakkam, Monday.
Addressing the gathering, Karambir Singh said, “Commissioning of INAS 313 marks yet another milestone in our efforts towards enhancing maritime security and safeguarding our nation’s maritime interests.”
He also emphasised the importance of India maintaining an edge over its adversaries in defence preparedness. The developing geo-political situation in the region needs to be monitored constantly. It is therefore, necessary to maintain surveillance over the Bay of Bengal, Palk Bay and adjoining regions. The strategic position of the squadron will give the nation, dominance over the North Eastern part of the Indian Ocean which also consists of trade routes, he said.
The squadron will be operating from Chennai International Airport. With commissioning of INAS 313, Tamilnadu will have three naval air bases; which is the highest number for any Coastal State. INS Rajali at Arakkonam and INS Parundu at Ramnad are the other two air bases in Tamilnadu, a press release said.
INAS 313 derives its name “Sea Eagle” from the bird of prey family Accipitridae. The insignia of the squadron depicts a “Greater Spotted Eagle” searching over the vast blue and white sea waves. The squadron will operate dornier aircraft which is a multi-role Short Range Maritime Reconnaissance (SRMR) aircraft manufactured by HAL, under license from RUAG Aerospace. The aircraft is used for maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations and to provide targeting data to weapon platforms.
INAS 313 is commanded by Cdr Vivek Koman, an accomplished and experienced dornier test pilot with extensive operational experience, the release said.