INS Shikra (Mumbai)

 naval air station  Add category

 Upload a photo

INS Shikra is a naval air station which was earlier known as INS Kunjali.

NAS Kunjali was commissioned as a new establishment in Mumbai, post-Independence. The locale chosen for the establishment was the old Gun Carriage Basin on the sea front in Colaba, in the heart of South Bombay.
Over the years, this helicopter base has grown from a small helipad to a full-fledged Air Station providing support and maintenance facilities to the integral flights of the fleet and aviation requirements of the Command. The facilities continue to expand to cater for increasing numbers of helicopters being inducted on board ships. Today, the Air Station is a fairly sizeable helodrome jutting out into the southern part of Mumbai harbour providing accommodation and maintenance facilities for Sea Kings, Kamovs and Chetaks, adding up to 17 helicopters and meeting a task of over 4000 flying hours annually.

The Naval Air Station was rechristened as INS Shikra in an impressive commissioning ceremony presided over by the Chief of Naval Staff, Adm Sureesh Mehta, AVSM, PVSM, ADC on 22 Jan 09. The Air station has been playing a dynamic role since its inception. Its primary role is to provide administrative, technical and logistic support for all squadrons and flights based in Mumbai. It additionally undertakes coastal patrol, air surveillance in the area and meets the operational flying requirements of the Western fleet.

External Links :
indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-shikra