The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sureesh Mehta inspecting the Guard of Honor during the commissioning ceremony of INS Shikra, at Naval Air Station, Mumbai on January 22, 2009. NEW DELHI: In a step towards strengthening surveillance and coastal security around Mumbai after 26/11, the Navy will commission its first helicopter base ‘INS Shikra’ in the metropolis on Thursday.
Though the naval air station base in South Mumbai has been operating for some time, it will now act as a dedicated helicopter base, with choppers like Sea Kings, Kamov-28s, Kamov-31s and Chetaks being stationed there in larger numbers.
"The air station's proximity to Mumbai High and the Saurashtra region on the west coast makes it the preferred site to provide effective air support for protection and security of national assets at short notice," an officer said.
"The commissioning of INS Shikra by Admiral Sureesh Mehta on Thursday will provide a shot in the arm to naval aviation. It will provide maintenance and flying support to a diverse range of helicopters operating from naval ships in Mumbai," he added.
The air station also provides air traffic control services to all civil and military helicopters operating in South Mumbai. Captain Philipose G Pynumootil will be the first commanding officer of INS Shikra, which takes its name from a small aggressive raptor with short wings and tall tail adapted for manoeuvrability, agility and speed.
Navy to commission first helicopter base in Mumbai
