Indian Navy Raises 3rd UAV Unit, 'Spirited Shadowers'

Indian Navy Statement: The maritime reconnaissance capability of the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command got a fillip with the commissioning of a new UAV squadron at INS Parundu, the air station at Ramnathapuram in Tamil Nadu. The Naval Air Squadron INAS 344 was commissioned yesterday by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

INAS 344, commanded by Commander Vinit Anand and known as the Spirited Shadowers (the squadron crest depicts an Osprey) is the third of its kind in the Indian Navy and first on the Eastern coast of India (the second, INAS 343 was commissioned in Jan 2011 at Porbandar, Gujarat). The squadron will operate IAI Heron and Searcher Mk.2 UAVs. INS Parundu, commissioned on 26 Mar 09, is presently commanded by Captain VB Bellary. The station, which had first started as a small naval air detachment in 1985, operates Chetak and Dornier aircraft today that provide round-the-clock patrolling and air surveillance in the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar regions. The commissioning of UAV squadron will boost naval operations in the region while marking an important milestone in the history of Indian naval aviation as well.

Livefist wishes INAS 344 fair winds and safe operations.

Photo / DPR Defence

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