INAS323 Harriers

On 19 April 2021, the Indian Naval Air Arm established a new helicopter squadron at INS Hansa. The naval air station is located on the airport of Goa/Dabolim and is India's largest naval air base.

The new squadron, Indian Naval Air Squadron 323 (INAS323) is nicknamed Harriers and its motto is Protectors beyond Perception.

The squadron is the first unit that will operate the Mk.III version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv. This version features a full glass cockpit with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), more powerful Shakti (Safran Ardiden 1H1) engines (1,400–2,000 hp each) and a hoist.

The squadron will receive three Dhruv Mk.IIIs, they will be used for Search and Rescue, Special Operations and Coastal Surveillance.

Dating back to March 2017, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 32 Dhruv Mk.III Advanced Light Helicopters to boost the maritime capabilities of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Both armed forces will receive sixteen helicopters each.

Photo by Shrey Chopra (Scramble Archive)