Porbandar (Gujarat): India’s navy today commissioned its sixth Dornier aircraft squadron at the Naval Air Enclave here. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral M. S. Pawar commissioned the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 314, which will be called the ‘Raptors’ from the bird of prey family.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Pawar said that, “Commissioning of INAS 314 marks yet another milestone in our efforts towards enhancing maritime security and our surveillance footprint in the North Arabian Sea,” Vice Admiral Pawar told the gathering.

“The squadron owing to its strategic location will act as the first responder in this crucial region,” he said.

The insignia of the squadron depicts a ‘Raptor’ 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.

Dornier is a multi-role Short Range Maritime Reconnaissance (SRMR) aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) at its Kanpur facility, with twin turboprop engine.

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‘, the Indian Navy has order for 12 new Dornier aircraft from HAL with state-of-the-art sensors and equipment including glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, electronic intelligence (ELINT), optical sensors and networking features.

The squadron is the first to accept and operate four of these newly inducted technologically advanced next generation Dornier aircraft.

INAS 314 is commanded by Captain Sandeep Rai, an accomplished and highly experienced Dornier Qualified Navigation Instructor.

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