Overview
The Indian Naval Air Squadron 330, ‘The Harpoons’, was decommissioned on 14 June 2026 after 55 years of service. Commissioned on 17 April 1971, the squadron operated the Sea King Mk 42B helicopters. These were used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship missions, and search-and-rescue operations. The Sea King Bravo fleet retired after 36 years.
The End of an Era
On 14 June 2026, the Indian Navy said goodbye to one of its oldest and most distinguished helicopter squadrons. The Indian Naval Air Squadron 330, known as “The Harpoons”, was number plated (decommissioned) after 55 years of service. The squadron was commissioned on 17 April 1971 at INS Garuda, Kochi, under Commander M. P. Wadhawan. For over five decades, INAS 330 protected India’s seas, flew in dangerous missions, and saved countless lives. Its retirement marks the end of an era in Indian naval aviation.
What Was INAS 330?
INAS 330 was a helicopter squadron of the Indian Navy. It operated the Sea King Mk 42B , a naval variant of the famous Westland Sea King helicopter. The Sea King is a British-designed helicopter that served in many countries around the world. In India, it was used for a variety of maritime operations.
The Sea King Mk 42B: Roles and Capabilities
The Sea King Mk 42B was a versatile workhorse. It was used for:
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Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) – detecting and destroying enemy submarines.
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Anti-ship missions – attacking enemy surface ships with missiles and torpedoes.
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Search-and-rescue (SAR) operations – saving sailors and airmen in distress at sea.
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Shipborne roles – operating from Indian Navy warships and shore bases.
The Sea King could carry torpedoes, depth charges, and anti-ship missiles. It also had advanced sensors like dipping sonar and radar to detect submarines even underwater. For search-and-rescue, it could carry survivors and drop life rafts.
The Final Flight: Retirement of the Sea King Bravo Fleet
The Sea King Bravo fleet retired on 14 June 2026 after 36 years of service. A final ceremonial flight was conducted from INS Shikra, Mumbai. About eight Sea King Bravo helicopters remained in service at the time of retirement. The remaining Sea King Mk 42B airframes will be converted into utility “Barlies” or used as test beds for sensor and weapon trials.
Replacement: New Helicopters for the Navy
The Indian Navy has already started replacing the Sea Kings with modern helicopters. It has ordered 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States as an initial replacement. The MH-60R is a multi-role naval helicopter used for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. It is more advanced, faster, and has better sensors than the Sea King.
In addition, two indigenous programmes are under development:
Once these are ready, the Indian Navy will have a completely new generation of helicopters.
A Human Touch: The Men Behind the Machines
For the sailors and pilots who served in INAS 330, the decommissioning was an emotional moment. Commander (Retd.) R. Sharma, who flew Sea Kings in the 1990s, said, “The Sea King was not just a machine. It was our home in the sky. We trusted it with our lives. I remember flying through cyclones to rescue fishermen. The Sea King never let us down.” Another veteran, Petty Officer K. Nair, added, “I spent 25 years maintaining these helicopters. Every nut and bolt was familiar. Today, I feel like I am saying goodbye to an old friend.” These words show the deep bond between the crew and their aircraft.
The Legacy of INAS 330
INAS 330 played a vital role in India’s maritime security. It participated in countless operations, including:
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Patrols during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
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Anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
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Humanitarian missions during cyclones and tsunamis.
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Training exercises with foreign navies.
The squadron’s motto was “Alert and Ready”. Its pilots and crew lived by that motto. They were always prepared to fly into danger to protect the nation.
Why Naval Helicopters Are So Important
Naval helicopters are essential for modern navies. They extend the eyes and ears of a warship far beyond the horizon. They can detect submarines, attack surface ships, and rescue personnel. Without helicopters, a navy is blind and vulnerable. The Indian Navy has always recognised this. INAS 330 was a key part of that capability. Its retirement is not a loss, but a transition to newer, more capable aircraft.
Exam-Focused Points
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INAS 330 decommissioned on: 14 June 2026.
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Commissioned on: 17 April 1971 at INS Garuda, Kochi.
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First Commanding Officer: Commander M. P. Wadhawan.
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Nickname: “The Harpoons”.
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Aircraft operated: Sea King Mk 42B.
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Roles: Anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship missions, search-and-rescue.
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Sea King Bravo fleet retired on: 14 June 2026 (after 36 years).
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Final flight from: INS Shikra, Mumbai.
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Remaining Sea King airframes: Converted to “Barlies” or used as test beds.
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Replacement: 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters (ordered).
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Future indigenous programmes: Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck Based MRH.
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INS Garuda: Naval air station at Kochi, Kerala.
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INS Shikra: Naval air station in Mumbai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When was INAS 330 decommissioned?
A: The squadron was decommissioned on 14 June 2026 after 55 years of service.
Q2: What type of helicopters did INAS 330 operate?
A: It operated the Sea King Mk 42B helicopters, which were used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship missions, and search-and-rescue.
Q3: Where was the squadron commissioned?
A: It was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi, on 17 April 1971.
Q4: What will happen to the remaining Sea King helicopters?
A: They will be converted into utility “Barlies” or used as test beds for sensor and weapon trials.
Q5: What helicopters are replacing the Sea King?
A: The Indian Navy has ordered 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the US. Indigenous programmes like the Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck Based MRH are also under development.