INAS 303
| 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 |
The INAS 303 is an Indian naval air squadron based at INS Hansa.[2]
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 and delivery of these aircraft of the option clause contract is in progress and the last of the option clause aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in end 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
- 1 2 "All you need to know about the INAS 303 Black Panthers". Defence News. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2014.
- ↑ "MIG 29K | Indian Navy". indiannavy.nic.in. Retrieved 2016-05-06.
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