The Indian Navy is set to induct the MH 60R helicopter into its fleet next week, bolstering its Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities. The squadron will be commissioned under Captain M Abhisheik Ram, who said the induction will bring about a significant surge in the Navy s maritime prowess and capabilities. The MH 60R is designed for anti-surface warfare, search and rescue operations, medical evacuation, and vertical replenishment.
The clarification came after the Congress alleged that the Ministry of Defence denied landing permission for Gandhi s chartered flight at the Naval facility early on Friday. The defence spokesperson told PTI that the request for "an unscheduled chartered flight along with the flight plan" was received at INS Garuda air station at Kochi at 09.40 am on Friday and at Navy HQ at about 10.15 am for takeoff from Kannur Airport at 10.45 am.
A Chetak helicopter crashed on Saturday at the runway of the naval air station, INS Garuda here, Navy sources said. The Indian Navy chopper which was on a training flight, crashed soon after the lift off, sources added.