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Coastal security boosted by commissioning of Raptors

Coastal security boosted by commissioning of Raptors
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Indian Naval Air Squadron 314, the sixth Dornier aircraft squadron was commissioned on 29 Nov 19 at a ceremony held at Naval Air Enclave, Porbandar. Vice Admiral MS Pawar, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering Vice Admiral MS Pawar Deputy Chief of Naval Staff said, “Commissioning of Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 314 marks yet another milestone in our efforts towards enhancing maritime security and our surveillance footprint in the North Arabian Sea.” The squadron owing to its strategic location will act as the first responder in this crucial region.

INAS 314 derives its name “Raptors” from the “Bird of Prey” family. The insignia of the squadron depicts a ‘Raptor bird’ searching over the vast blue expanse of the sea. ‘Raptors’ are large bird of prey known for excellent sensory capabilities, powerful and sharp talons and strong wings symbolising the capabilities of the aircraft and envisaged roles of the squadron.

The squadron will operate the Dornier aircraft, a multi-role SRMR aircraft, with twin turboprop engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Ltd (HAL) Kanpur. The aircraft can be used for electronic warfare missions, maritime surveillance, search and rescue and to provide targeting data to weapon platform.

Contributing towards indigenous development and

self-reliance through ‘Make in India’, Navy is procuring 12 new Dornier

aircraft from HAL with state-of-the-art sensors and equipment including glass

cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, ELINT, optical sensors and networking

features.

The squadron is the first to accept and operate four of

these newly inducted technology advanced next generation Dornier aircraft. INAS

314 is commanded by Captain Sandeep Rai, an accomplished and highly experienced

Dornier Qualified Navigation Instructor with extensive operational experience.

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