Dornier squadron to be commissioned in Chennai

S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs037

July 22 will be a day to remember in the history of Chennai, thanks to Indian Navy. For that will be the day when Indian Naval Dornier Aircraft squadron (INAS 313) will be commissioned.

Sources from the Defence Ministry say the squadron will be commissioned by chief of naval staff Admiral Karambir Singh. The squadron to be commissioned is the fifth one.

While the commissioning will take place at Naval Air Enclave at Meenambakkam in Chennai, the squadron will operate the indigenous HAL built Maritime Surveillance version multi-role Dornier 228 Short Range Maritime reconnaissance aircraft from Chennai Airport.

The Dornier aircraft is fitted with ‘state-of-the-art’ sensors and equipment which include Advanced Surveillance Radar, Electronic Sensors and networking features that would enhance maritime domain awareness of Indian Navy and be a force multiplier during Search and Rescue Operations.

Commissioning of the Air Squadron under Eastern Naval Command would further strengthen Indian Navy’s efforts in maintaining constant surveillance and safe guarding maritime interests in the Eastern seaboard of India.