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INS Garuda
INS Garuda

Key Information

INS Garuda (ICAO: VOCC), is an Indian naval air station located in Kochi, in the state of Kerala.[3] Commissioned on 11 May 1953, it is the oldest operating air station of the Indian Navy.

The air station is adjacent to INS Venduruthy and the headquarters of Southern Naval Command. INS Garuda is a major naval air training centre as well as an operational base.

History

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The original airstrip near Kochi was built by the Cochin Port Trust to transport senior officials of the British Harbour Corps from the Madras Presidency to supervise the development of modern Kochi port in 1936. During World War II, the rudimentary airstrip was taken over by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1941 and expanded to establish a RAF experimental station. The Indian Air Force Volunteer Reserve (IAFVR) No. 5 Coastal Defence Flight, flying Westland Wapiti II aircraft was based at the station in May 1941. In December 1942, IAFVR No. 5 was disbanded, and resources transferred to HMS Garuda in Peelamedu (present day Coimbatore International Airport), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. In 1943, the Kochi facilities were transferred to the Royal Navy (RN) which established an aircraft repair yard at the location to assemble aircraft shipped to India for the war effort. HMS Garuda was decommissioned in September 1946 at the end of the war, and the Kochi infrastructure was transferred to the DGCA.

Post-independence

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The Indian Navy acquired the first Short Sealand aircraft on 13 January 1953. The aviation facilities at Kochi were transferred to the Indian Navy and temporarily placed under the command of naval base, INS Venduruthy, on 1 January 1953 to prepare for operating the aircraft. The first Sealand aircraft arrived in Kochi from the UK on 4 February 1953.The facilities were commissioned as a fully operational naval air station under the command of the Indian Naval Air Arm on 11 May 1953 and renamed INS Garuda.[4] Commodore G Douglas, was its first Commanding Officer. Since then, INS Garuda has remained a strategic operating station for the navy, with several training schools, intelligence centres, maintenance and repair facilities and experimental stations based here. A separate civil enclave for domestic travellers was allowed to operate at INS Garuda, which remained operational until July 1999, when the Cochin International Airport was commissioned. The 747 Squadron of the Indian Coast Guard was activated on 22 Apr 2002 within the premises of Naval Base Kochi. The Squadron operates two Dornier 228 aircraft.[5]

Commanding Officer's List of INS Garuda:- 1. Commander Douglas George DFC (11 May 53 to 01 Oct 55) 2. Commander Singh Y N (01 OCT 55 to 20 Dec 57) 3. Commander Tyabji N S (20 Dec 57 to 04 Apr 60) 4. Commander Sanjana K K (04 APR 60 TO 07 OCT 61) 5. Commander Kuruvila E C (07 Oct 61 to 28 Feb 63) 6. Commander Mathur P N (19 Mar 63 to 10 Sep 64) 7. Commander Telles P I (10 Sep 64 to 15 Jun 66) 8. Commander Roy M K (08 Aug 66 to 07 Jan 69) 9. Captain Gopinath K (04 Feb 69 to 11 jul 71) 10. Commodore Gopinath K ( 12 Jul 71 to 31 May 72) 11. Captain C L Sachdeva (31 May 72 to 25 Nov 72) 12. Captain B R Acharya ( 08 Jan 73 to 30 Jun 76) 13. Commodore B R Acharya ( 01 76 to 23 Apr 77)14. Captain U C Tripathi ( 24 May 77 to 09 Mar 79) 15. Captain V R Ravindranath NM,VSM (30 Apr 79 to 30 Jun 81) 16. Commodore V R Ravindranath NM,VSM (01 Jul 81 to 28 Feb 82) 17. commodore H Johnson vsm (20 Mar 82 to 21 Dec 82) 18. Commodore M P Wadhawan NM,VSM (22 Dec 82 to 10 Aug 84) 19. Captain M Bhada (10 Aug 84 to 31 Jul 85) 20. Captain A S Rawat NM (31 Jul 85 to 31 Dec 85) 21. Commodore A S Rawat NM (01 Jan 86 to 08 Jun 87) 22. Commodore S Ramsagar VRC NM (08 Jun 87 to 11 Jan 88) 23. Captain S Mehta (27 Apr 88 to 14 Nov 89) 24. Captain V K Soni NM (15 Nov 89 to 31 Dec 90) 25. Commodore V K Soni NM (01 Jan 91 to 19 Jul 91) 26. CS C Dewan YSM (20 Jul 91 to 17 Jan 93) 27. Captain K M Thomas NM ( 18 Jan 93 to 30 Dec 93) 28. Commodore K M Thomas NM (01 Jan 94 to 27 May 96 ) 29. Commodore R S Vasan (27 May 96 to 30 Jul 98) 30. Commodore P Sengupta (30 Jul 98 to 30 May 2001) 31. Commander Sudhir pillai NM (17 Sep 01 to 17 Oct 02) 32. Captain Naresh Mohan Kalia (18 Oct 02 to 27 Oct 04) 33. Captain Balvinder Singh Parhar (28 Oct 04 to 20 Apr 06) 34. Captain Amit Bhandari (21 Apr 06 to 06 May 08) 35. Captain Vijesh Kumar Garg (06 May 08 to 09 Mar 10) 36. Commodore Vijesh Kumar Garg ( 10 Apr 10 to 18 Apr 11) 37. Captain Himanshu S Sapre (19 Apr 11 to 12 Sep 13) 38. Captain M M S Shergill (01 Aug 15 to 18 May 16) 39. Commodore R R Ayyar ( 19 May 16 to 22 Jan 19) 40. Commodore V B Bellary ( 23 Jan 19 to 14 Dec 22) 41. Captain K Sri Vasta ( 15 Dec 22 to 31 Dec 22) 42. Commodore K Sri Vasta (01 Jan 23 to 14 May 24) 43. Captain Rajan Kapoor (15 May 24 to 30 Jun 24) 44. Commodore Rajan Kapoor (01 Jul 24 to till date)

Units

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INS Garuda has 2 intersecting runways, allowing almost all operational aircraft to land and take off.[6]

Indian Naval Air Squadrons based at INS Garuda as of 2011 include:

INS Garuda also has a number of naval aviation training schools:

  • Observer School trains pilots and technical personnel in maritime reconnaissance, patrol, evacuation and search and rescue (SAR) missions
  • School for Naval Airmen (SFNA) and the Naval Institute of Aviation Technology (NIAT) impart theoretical training to naval aviation personnel and those associated with flying operations
  • Aeronautical Training Institute (ATI) conducts training for officers and sailors in aircraft maintenance
  • School for Naval Oceanography and Meteorology (SNOM)

INS Garuda also has facilities for imparting training in airborne anti-submarine operations affiliated with the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) School on INS Venduruthy. The school's facilities include a Thales Underwater Systems LOFAR (Low Frequency Analysis & Recording) training simulator.[7]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
INS Garuda (ICAO: VOCC) is a of the located in , , on adjacent to the headquarters. Commissioned on 11 May 1953 by then Defence Minister Mahavir Tyagi, it is the oldest operating air station of the and serves as the premier training hub for , known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation." The station's origins trace back to 1941, when an airfield was constructed in for operations during . In 1943, the facilities were transferred to the Royal Navy and established as HMS Garuda to support aircraft assembly and operations for naval ships, before being decommissioned on 1 September 1946. Post-independence, the site became part of , the naval base in , and was redesignated Venduruthy II in October 1952 prior to its formal commissioning as INS Garuda under Commander G. Douglas, DFC, as the first commanding officer. Since its inception, INS Garuda has played a pivotal role in the development of Indian , training generations of personnel and supporting operational missions including , reconnaissance, and . INS Garuda functions as a full-fledged with advanced facilities, including the Observer School for on fixed- and rotary-wing , the Naval of Aeronautical (NIAT) and School for Naval Airmen (SFNA) for theoretical and technical instruction, the Aeronautical (ATI) for maintenance, and the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) School equipped with a Thales LOFAR simulator. It also hosts several operational squadrons, such as INAS 550 (the first squadron, operating Dornier Do-228 for and search-and-rescue), INAS 336 ( simulator ), and INAS 334 (equipped with MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for , commissioned in March 2024, with deliveries continuing through 2025). The station continues to evolve, incorporating modern assets and contributing to the Indian Navy's objectives in the region.

Location and Facilities

Site and Geography

INS Garuda is located on in , , , at coordinates 9°56′28″N 76°16′30″E and an elevation of 2 m above mean . The station occupies a strategic position within the Kochi harbor area, adjacent to and the headquarters of the , facilitating integrated naval operations. The site's origins trace back to , when the Trust constructed a rudimentary airstrip on to support the transportation of British officials involved in the development of the modern port. This airstrip, initially intended for civilian use, was strategically placed in the heart of the harbor to leverage the island's connectivity and proximity to maritime routes, providing essential support for early activities in the region. Willingdon Island, a man-made formation created from dredged materials in the early , offers significant environmental and logistical advantages for INS Garuda, including direct access to the via the Cochin Port's waterways and seamless integration with the port's extensive infrastructure for cargo handling, ship repairs, and supply chains. This coastal setting at low elevation enhances operational efficiency for sea-based aviation, while the sheltered harbor position mitigates exposure to open ocean conditions. The station was formally commissioned in 1953 as part of the Indian Navy's post-independence expansion.

Infrastructure and Training Equipment

INS Garuda features two asphalt runways designed to accommodate a range of naval aircraft operations. Runway 13/31 measures 1,414 meters in length, while Runway 17/35 extends to 1,817 meters, providing intersecting pathways that support efficient takeoffs and landings for training and operational flights. The station's key facilities, including hangars, repair yards, and support buildings, were largely inherited from its Royal Navy origins during World War II. Established in 1943 as HMS Garuda, the site served as an aircraft assembly and ferrying base, with infrastructure such as repair yards enabling the maintenance and preparation of aircraft shipped to India. These foundational elements, including maintenance hangars and ancillary support structures, have been adapted over time to meet the Indian Navy's aviation needs. Among the specialized training equipment at INS Garuda is the LOFAR (Low Frequency Analysis and Recording) simulator, utilized for (ASW) instruction. Manufactured by , this simulator focuses on towed array sonar analysis, enabling personnel to practice in simulated underwater environments. A civil enclave operated at INS Garuda for domestic passenger flights until July 1999, when it was decommissioned following the opening of , allowing the station to transition to exclusive naval use.

History

World War II Era

The site of what would become INS Garuda, located on in , was initially developed as an airfield in 1941 to serve as an experimental station for the Royal Air Force (RAF) during . This facility supported operational activities in the region, including the establishment of the Indian Air Force Volunteer Reserve (IAFVR) No. 5 Coastal Defence Flight in May 1941, equipped with Wapiti II aircraft for reconnaissance and defense patrols along the southwestern coast of India. The RAF's use of the airstrip focused on enhancing air defense capabilities amid threats from Axis naval forces in the , providing logistical support for Allied convoys and maritime operations in the theater. By late 1942, as strategic priorities shifted, the coastal defense flight was disbanded in December, marking the end of primary RAF control over the site. In 1943, the airfield was transferred to the Royal Navy (RN), which established it as a key air station named HMS Garuda (though the primary repair yard bearing that name was at Peelamedu near Coimbatore). The Kochi facility played a crucial logistical role by assembling and ferrying crated aircraft shipped from the United Kingdom and other Allied sources, enabling their rapid deployment to support RN carrier operations and anti-submarine warfare in the Indian Ocean theater. This assembly process was vital for maintaining naval aviation strength, as it allowed for the outfitting of fighters, torpedo bombers, and reconnaissance planes that bolstered Allied efforts against Japanese and German U-boat threats in the region. Key events included the routine reception and preparation of aircraft shipments, which streamlined supply lines and contributed to the RN's operational readiness during critical campaigns such as the defense of Ceylon and the Arakan operations. Following the end of , HMS Garuda at was decommissioned in September 1946, with the infrastructure falling into temporary dormancy under civilian oversight by the of Civil Aviation. The site's wartime contributions to aircraft assembly and regional naval underscored its strategic importance, but it remained largely inactive until its acquisition by the in 1953.

Post-Independence Commissioning

Following India's independence, the acquired the aviation facilities at , previously used as a civil airfield, with formal transfer occurring on 1 January 1953. In October 1952, the site had been temporarily rechristened as II to prepare for naval operations. These facilities marked the establishment of the 's first dedicated air station, transitioning from British oversight to independent Indian control. The official commissioning of INS Garuda took place on 11 May 1953, presided over by Mahavir Tyagi, the then Defence Minister, with G. Douglas as the senior-most Indian aviator appointed to lead the station. This event formalized the birth of Indian naval aviation, focusing initially on building foundational capabilities for fleet support and pilot training. Prior to commissioning, the first Short Sealand amphibian aircraft arrived at from the on 4 February 1953, with ten such aircraft acquired overall to equip the nascent force. Concurrently, the Fleet Requirements Unit (FRU) was formed at INS Garuda on the commissioning date, comprising amphibians for communications and utility roles alongside Firefly aircraft for target towing and training exercises. This unit, initially manned by five pilots and two observers operating two Sealands, provided essential target services and basic to support the Indian Navy's surface fleet. The FRU's establishment emphasized practical operational readiness, enabling pilots to conduct simulations and gunnery practice from the outset. Early expansion efforts included the integration of aircraft from (HAL), such as jets, which augmented the FRU's capabilities for advanced by the late . This incorporation of indigenous manufacturing supported the station's initial focus on developing a self-reliant infrastructure, laying the groundwork for sustained growth without heavy reliance on foreign imports.

Role and Operations

Aviation Training Programs

INS Garuda serves as the premier training establishment for Indian naval , hosting several specialized schools that deliver comprehensive curricula for officers and sailors in various aviation roles. The Observer School provides specialized training for naval observers, focusing on , sensor operation, and tactical decision-making for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, ensuring proficiency in maritime reconnaissance and (ASW) missions. The School for Naval Airmen (SFNA) imparts theoretical and practical instruction in aviation fundamentals, including ASW tactics and basic flight operations, utilizing classroom sessions and introductory simulator exercises to build foundational skills for . The Naval Institute of Aeronautical Technology (NIAT) concentrates on theoretical training for naval aviation personnel. Complementing these, the Aeronautical Training Institute (ATI) provides hands-on training in aircraft maintenance and engineering, including systems upkeep, avionics repair, and technical support for operational readiness on diverse naval aircraft platforms. The School of Naval Oceanography and Meteorology (SNOM) delivers instruction in meteorological forecasting, oceanographic analysis, and environmental support for flight planning and safety in naval operations. Additionally, the Anti-Submarine Warfare School at INS Garuda employs advanced simulators, such as the LOFAR system, to train personnel in ASW tactics, sonar interpretation, and coordinated strike procedures against underwater threats. Training programs at INS Garuda have evolved significantly since the 1950s, beginning with basic Fleet Requirements Unit (FRU) instruction using aircraft like the for introductory flight and shortly after the station's commissioning in 1953. By the , the curricula had advanced to incorporate sophisticated simulation technologies, including the Flight and Tactical Simulator commissioned in 1994 and further upgrades like the 2013 Water Survival Facility, enabling realistic scenario-based learning in ASW, , and survival skills without live flight risks. The establishment's capacity supports the annual throughput of hundreds of trainees, encompassing all pilots, observers, and aviation support personnel since its inception, with programs designed to scale for both initial qualification and refresher courses to meet the demands of expanding fleets. This focused training infrastructure underscores INS Garuda's pivotal role in developing skilled aviators capable of executing complex maritime operations.

Hosted Squadrons and Units

INS Garuda has hosted a variety of Indian Naval Air Squadrons (INAS) since its commissioning, evolving from early fleet support units to modern operational squadrons focused on maritime reconnaissance, (ASW), (SAR), and unmanned aerial surveillance. The station's first aviation unit, the Fleet Requirements Unit (FRU), was established in May 1953 to provide target towing and training services using Short Sealands amphibians and aircraft, later incorporating (HAL)-built trainers such as the HJT-16 Kiran for gunnery practice and pilot familiarization. This unit laid the foundation for at the base, supporting fleet exercises until its transition into a formal squadron in 1959. INAS 550, known as the "" and the Indian Navy's oldest active squadron, was commissioned on 17 June 1959 at INS Garuda, inheriting the FRU's role in maritime reconnaissance and SAR operations. The squadron primarily operates , equipped for over-water surveillance, ASW support, and training missions, contributing to coastal security and humanitarian assistance along India's southwestern seaboard. As of recent assessments, INAS 550 maintains a fleet of these versatile twin-engine turboprops, emphasizing endurance for extended patrols. INAS 336, the "Flaming Arrows," was commissioned on 20 December 1974 at INS Garuda as the Navy's second helicopter squadron, specializing in ASW and advanced tactical training. Equipped with Mk 42B helicopters, the unit conducts anti-submarine operations, simulations, and crew proficiency exercises, including missile trials such as the Naval - Short Range (NASM-SR). Its composition includes a mix of operational and training variants, supporting the Navy's rotary-wing capabilities in the region. INAS 342, the "Flying Sentinels," was established on 6 2006 at INS Garuda as the Indian Navy's inaugural () squadron, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The squadron operates () medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs and Searcher Mk II tactical drones, providing real-time , border monitoring, and support for fleet operations. On 11 December 2024, it decommissioned its Searcher Mk II fleet after 22 years of service, transitioning toward enhanced capabilities for persistent aerial oversight. INAS 334, the "Seahawks," represents a recent , reformed and commissioned on 6 March 2024 at INS Garuda as the Navy's first MH-60R multi-role helicopter squadron, building on its historical roots from 1953. Operating Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, the unit is dedicated to advanced ASW, anti-surface warfare, and electronic warfare tasks, with advanced sensors and weaponry enhancing India's blue-water naval posture. Initially inducted with three in 2022, the squadron's activation underscores the base's role in integrating cutting-edge platforms for Indo-Pacific operations. A detachment of INAS 321, the "Trishul," provides dedicated SAR and logistics support at INS Garuda using helicopters, ensuring rapid response for personnel recovery and utility missions in coordination with regional commands. Complementing naval efforts, the Indian Coast Guard's No. 747 Squadron was activated on 22 April 2002 within INS Garuda's premises, operating aircraft for , pollution response, and SAR along the western coast. This integration fosters joint operations, with the squadron's two aircraft focusing on non-military and enforcement.

Significance and Developments

Contributions to Indian Naval Aviation

INS Garuda, commissioned on 11 May 1953 as the first Indian Naval Air Station, stands as the birthplace of Indian naval aviation and the oldest continuously operating air station in the Indian Navy, marking 71 years of service by 2024. This foundational role enabled the establishment of the Navy's initial air element, providing essential infrastructure for the induction of early aircraft and the training of the first generation of naval aviators. Over decades, it has served as the primary hub for professional development, where every pilot, observer, aviation technical officer, and sailor in the Indian Navy has undergone training since its inception, fostering a skilled workforce that has underpinned the growth of naval aviation from rudimentary operations to a sophisticated arm. The station's contributions extended to critical national milestones, including the participation of Indian naval aviation in the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War and the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, where aircraft from conducted decisive strikes that contributed to the liberation of . These efforts highlighted INS Garuda's strategic value in building operational readiness, allowing the to project power effectively in regional conflicts and establish its aviation branch as a force multiplier. Strategically, INS Garuda has facilitated the evolution of Indian naval aviation through technology transfers and indigenization, transitioning from imported British and French platforms in the 1950s—such as Sea Fury and Alizé aircraft—to indigenous production by (HAL), including the helicopter squadron based there since the 1960s. This progression supported the integration of advanced systems like simulators, training personnel on evolving technologies from foreign collaborations to homegrown designs like the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. As a key asset under the , INS Garuda enhances regional in the by providing trained air assets for , search-and-rescue, and anti-submarine operations, ensuring the Navy's sustained presence and deterrence capabilities.

Recent Milestones and Upgrades

In the years following the closure of the civil enclave at INS Garuda in July 1999, the station underwent significant infrastructure enhancements to support advanced naval aviation training and operations. In August 2013, two state-of-the-art simulators were commissioned: a Flight and Tactical Simulator for Mk 42B helicopters, enabling realistic mission rehearsals, and a Water Survival Training Facility (WSTF) costing Rs 20 crore, designed to train aircrew in escaping ditched aircraft under simulated conditions. These upgrades expanded the station's capacity for helicopter-centric training, aligning with the Indian Navy's evolving multi-role aviation needs. Further modernization occurred in 2024 with the acquisition of MH-60R Seahawk helicopter simulators from CAE, tailored with modifications for anti-ship missiles and traffic collision avoidance systems, to be installed at INS Garuda for enhanced pilot proficiency in (ASW) and surveillance missions. This complemented the station's helicopter facilities, which were adapted to base the newly inducted Seahawks, bolstering ASW capabilities through integrated operational support. A key milestone was the establishment of INAS 334, the Indian Navy's first MH-60R squadron, commissioned on March 6, 2024, at INS Garuda in . Designated 'Seahawks', the squadron operates advanced multi-role helicopters equipped with sophisticated sensors and weapons, marking a leap in the Navy's maritime strike and reconnaissance prowess as part of a 24-aircraft deal with the . INS Garuda marked its 71st anniversary on May 11, 2024, celebrating its enduring role in with events emphasizing innovation and dedication. The 72nd anniversary in May 2025 included commemorative activities, such as a ceremonial cake-cutting, reaffirming the station's contributions. Leadership transitions have underscored the station's continued operational vitality, with Commodore Rajan Kapoor assuming command in mid-2024 to oversee these advancements. In August 2025, Commodore Rajeev Kumar Singh took over, ensuring seamless continuity in training and squadron integration. INS Garuda marked its enduring relevance through commemorative events, including the 69th anniversary celebrations on May 11, 2022, which highlighted its role as the Navy's oldest air station since 1953. The 70th anniversary on May 11, 2023, featured outreach activities such as blood donation camps and a 7 km 'Garuda Daud' run, reaffirming its contributions to naval aviation up to 2025.

References

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