Indian Navy Bids Farewell to Iconic Sea King 42B Helicopters After 55 Years

The Indian Navy has officially retired its renowned Sea King Mk 42B helicopter fleet and decommissioned the historic Indian Naval Air Squadron 330 (INAS 330), concluding more than fifty years of distinguished service.

Dubbed the "Flying Frigates," the Sea King Mk 42B helicopters performed their final ceremonial flight from INS Shikra, the Western Naval Command's air station in Mumbai, on June 15, 2026. This event also signaled the formal decommissioning of INAS 330, affectionately known as the "Harpoons" squadron.

INAS 330 was established on April 17, 1971, at INS Garuda in Kochi, under the leadership of Commander M.P. Wadhawan, and it evolved into one of the most decorated and significant squadrons in the Indian Navy.

The squadron was instrumental during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War and set a record when a Sea King helicopter became the first multi-role helicopter to land on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant on July 26, 1971.

Throughout the past 55 years, the Sea King Mk 42B has been a cornerstone of the Navy's anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities. Equipped with sophisticated torpedoes, depth charges, and missiles, these helicopters were utilized in diverse missions such as anti-submarine operations, anti-ship warfare, maritime surveillance, and search-and-rescue efforts.

The Harpoons squadron built a formidable reputation for operational excellence and bravery, earning 22 Nausena Medals during its tenure. Typically operating six to eight Sea King helicopters, the squadron became a symbol of professionalism and maritime combat prowess.

Although the Sea King Mk 42B fleet is now retired, other variants of the Sea King continue to operate in the Indian Navy. The retired helicopters will not be discarded; instead, some will be converted into utility transport helicopters after combat systems are removed, while others will serve as test platforms for sensor and weapon trials, including the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM) programme.

The retirement of the Sea King Bravo fleet coincides with the Indian Navy's ongoing modernization of its rotary-wing aviation capabilities, including the introduction of advanced Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters.

The decommissioning of INAS 330 concludes a notable chapter in the history of Indian Naval Aviation, paying tribute to a fleet and squadron that served the nation with distinction, professionalism, and steadfast dedication for over half a century.