Indian Navy Commissions first UAV Squadron at Kochi
The Indian Navy commissioned the first Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadron, INAS 342, today at its
premier Naval Air Station Garuda based at Kochi.
Admiral Arun Prakash PVSM, AVSM VrC, ADC, the Chief of
the Naval Staff commissioned the squadron. Vice
Admiral SCS Bangara PVSM, AVSM, Flag Officer
Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command, and many
distinguished guests were present on the occasion.
Commander Rajesh Kawatra commands the newly
commissioned squadron.
The maiden UAV Squadron will operate Heron and
Searcher MK II UAVs. The UAVs are capable of
undertaking maritime surveillance tasks. The induction
of UAV platform in the maritime context has added to a
new dimension to naval warfare capability. Further the
Indian Navy is one among the first few navies of the
world to operate these air vehicles. With induction of
these state-of-the-art vehicles, maritime warfare
aspects would be revolutionised as these platforms
would serve as force multipliers in support of fleet
operations.
VG/AK
(Release ID :14801)