KAMOV 28

INAS 333 – The Eagles

INAS 333 was commissioned at Goa on 11 Dec 80 by V Adm OP Dawson PVSM, AVSM. The squadron crest depicts an Eagle gripping a torpedo in its talons against a background of two crossed rotors. INAS 333 was commissioned with the Kamov 25 helicopter and is a dedicated ASW helicopter squadron. The Kamov 28 helicopters were inducted into the Squadron in 1989. Kamov helicopters are designed to operate from the decks of Kashin class of ships and the carrier. The first three ships of the Kashin class operated the KA 25s and the latter two operate the KV 28s. INAS 333 was shifted to INS Dega, Visakhapatnam in the year 2000 along with the KA 25s and has been operating from there ever since. The KA 25s which were with the squadron since its inception were decommissioned from service in Apr 09. The KV 28 helicopters were rebased at INAS 333 from INAS 339 on 19 May 09 and form the complement of the squadron.

With a sensor package of sonar, radar, sonobuoys and a weapon load comprising of ASW torpedoes and depth charges, the Kamov 28 is a major threat to enemy submarines. This highly capable aircraft is flown by a single pilot and operates from the decks of the latter two Kashin Class Destroyers. The squadron is also responsible for training the aircrew for operating the KV 28 helicopters.