avia.wikisort.org - Air_Forces

The INAS 303 is an Indian naval air squadron based at INS Hansa.[2]

INAS 303
INAS 303 Insignia
Active	11 May 2013 - present[1]
Country	India
Branch	Indian Navy
Garrison/HQ	INS Hansa
Nickname(s)	The Black Panthers[1]
Aircraft flown
Fighter	Mikoyan MiG-29K

History

Indian Navy had contracted for acquisition of 16 MiG 29K/KUB carrier based fighter aircraft with RAC MiG on 20 January 2004. Aircraft deliveries began in December 2009 and all 16 aircraft of the main contract were delivered and accepted by the Indian Navy. An option clause contract for 29 additional aircraft was also signed on 8 March 2010. The option was exercised, with delivery of the last of these aircraft scheduled for the end of 2016. Based on the exploitation experience, the first MiG-29K frontline squadron was commissioned on 11 May 2013 at INS Hansa, Goa. Capt AD Theophilus was the first Commanding Officer.[3]

References

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