Indian Naval Air Squadron 314, the sixth Dornier aircraft squadron was commissioned today at Naval Air Enclave- Porbandar on Gujarat coast.

Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral M S Pawar was the chief guest on this occasion.

Speaking on this occasion, Vice Admiral Pawar said that commissioning of Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 314 – marks yet another milestone in country’s efforts towards enhancing maritime security and surveillance footprint in the North Arabian Sea.

He said that the squadron owing to its strategic location will act as the first to respond in this crucial region.

According to Defense Sources, the INAS 314 derives its name Raptors from the Bird of Prey family.

The insignia of the squadron depicts a Raptor bird searching over the vast blue expanse of the sea. Raptors are large birds of prey known for excellent sensory capabilities, powerful and sharp talons and strong wings symbolizing the capabilities of the aircraft and envisaged roles of the squadron.

AIR Ahmedabad correspondent reports that this squadron will operate the Dornier aircraft, a multi-role SRMR aircraft, with twin turboprop engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, Kanpur. The aircraft can be used for electronic warfare missions, maritime surveillance, search and rescue and to provide targeting data to weapon platform.

Contributing towards indigenous development and self-reliance through Make in India, Navy is procuring 12 new Dornier aircraft from HAL with state-of-the-art sensors and equipment including glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, optical sensors and networking features.