INS Hansa is home to the Indian Navy’s frontline air squadrons. These include INAS 300 White Tigers with Sea Harriers, INAS 310 Cobras with Dornier-228s, INAS 315 Winged Stallions with Ilyushin-38SD, INAS 339 Falcons with Kamov-31 AEW helicopters, INAS 551 Phantoms with HJT-16 Kiran trainers, INAS 552 Braves with Sea Harrier trainers and INAS 303 Black Panthers, which operates the Navy’s new MiG-29K fighters.
The base saw its first operational deployment during Operation Vijay in 1961 which resulted in the successful liberation of Goa. During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the Sea Hawk and the Alize aircraft squadrons were entrusted with the air defence of Bombay, Goa and Cochin. Its aircraft had also carried out an offensive sweep against Pakistani ships reported in the area.
During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the INAS 300 White Tigers from INS Hansa with 18 aircraft onboard INS Vikrant were put into action against the belligerent enemy. In a mere 10 days, extending from 04 Dec 1971 to 14 Dec 1971, the air strikes accounted for more than 100,776 tonnes of Pakistani shipping sunk. The destruction included important airfields, harbours and troop positions.
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Citizens, Please be aware that this naval base is sitting on comunity land illegaly occupied by the navy. this has been vindicated by the honarable supreme court of india.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-03/goa/29377037_1_state-landlordism-chief-secy-dabolim-airport
google for several more articles and also a statement by the then chief of navy.
The Indian Navy recently spent Rs.13 crore to resurface the runway at INS Hansa, in preparation for the arrival of the MiG-29K.
Gentle reminder to the gentleman who has posted that… INS Hansa is sitting on community land illegally occupied by the navy….."MIND YOU DEAR" This land was already captured by "PORTUGUESE PIRATES" using unlawful means and India librated it and Indian Navy has taken over legal possession of the Airfeild from Govt.of India.By the way"Where were you…when it was under dictatorship..and you never raised your voice!!