After Albatross, Indian Navy has named its second air squadron of P-8I aircraft (popularly known as Sky Lion) Condors, one of the largest flying land birds with a massive wingspan. Commissioned at the Indian naval station Hansa in Goa on Tuesday, the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 316 will be the base for long-range snooping by Boeing manufactured P-8I aircraft, the multi-role maritime reconnaissance anti-submarine warfare aircraft that can be equipped with a range of air-to-ship missiles and torpedoes.
'Albatross' is the Indian navy's first squadron of P-8I, set up at INS Rajali in Arakkonam in November 2015. Since its induction, the P-8I jets have demonstrated their ability to be force multipliers across a wide spectrum of missions. Albatross squadron has flown from over 30 airfields across the world and has undertaken missions to support all three services.
Touted as the 'Game Changer', P8I aircraft is a potent platform for maritime surveillance and strikes, electronic warfare missions, search and rescue, for providing targeting data to weapon platforms, and giving time-critical surveillance information for the army and air force. The aircraft is also the platform of choice for detecting and neutralising enemy ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean Region.
From Balakot airstrike to watching over Chinese military's movement on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), P8I aircraft has proved itself beneficial in several missions. It helps in establishing operational footprints across the Indian ocean region.
Speaking at the event, Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar said India is the 'Preferred Security Partner' in the Indian Ocean Region which reflects the country's ability to play an effective strategic role in the region. "The Indian Navy is integral to this commitment and in pursuance of this objective, commissioning of INAS 316 marked yet another milestone towards enhancing maritime security and surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region."
Kumar said INAS 316 will enhance India's operational capabilities across the three domains of maritime operations—sea, air and sub-surface.
Navy officers say that the INAS 316 has been christened ‘Condors’ and the insignia of the squadron depicts a 'Condor' searching over the vast blue expanse of the sea. ‘Condors’ are known for excellent sensory capabilities, powerful and sharp talons and massive wings. Thus, the name symbolises the capabilities of the aircraft and envisaged roles of the squadron.
The squadron has been specifically commissioned to be the home for the four new P-8I aircraft and to ‘Deter, Detect and Destroy’ any threat in the IOR. These aircraft have been operating from Hansa since December 30, and the squadron is integrated with full-spectrum surface and subsurface naval operations. The aircraft is powered by twin jet engines, and can be equipped with air-to-ship missiles and torpedoes.
INAS 316 is commanded by Commander Amit Mohapatra, an accomplished Boeing P-8I pilot with extensive operational experience and flown maritime air platforms such as IL-38 and Dornier 228.
