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Naval Aviation Fleet Air Arm - Helicopters

The Pakistan Navy has a diverse air arm that enables it to carryout air surveillance and provides ASW/ASV cover over the area of interest. Ever since its inception in the early 70’s, Naval Aviation has progressed to become a highly effective and potent force. The professional competence of PN aviators operating some of the highly advanced platforms is well acknowledged and time tested. Naval Aviation is a force multiplier with its inherent flexibility and advanced weaponry. The main operating base for naval aviation, PNS MEHRAN is located at Karachi. It houses all maintenance facilities, Command HQ’s, and training centers. The aviation base established in the mid seventies is fully equipped and geared to undertake flight operations for a variety of aircraft including helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

111 ASW/ASV SQUADRON - SEA KING - SEARCH AND STRIKE

Seaking helicopters constitute the 111 ASW/ASV squadron of the naval air arm. The squadron was established in 1975 with the induction of Seaking MK 42 helicopters from UK. These helicopters are based at Naval Air Station, PNS Mehran at Karachi, but they are capable to operate from various secondary bases located along the coast. Additionally these helicopters regularly operate from surface units of the fleet.

The squadron motto of ‘Search and Strike’ exactly depicts the nature of operations of this squadron. These helicopters have requisite sensors and weapons suite onboard with which it can Search, Locate, Track and kill the surface or sub-surface targets. In ASV role the helicopter carries Air to Surface Missiles to destroy hostile surface combatants, whereas in ASW the Seaking is capable to carry Torpedoes to neutralize enemy subsurface units. The torpedoes can also be replaced by a depth charge to destroy enemy subsurface units in shallow waters or at snorkel.

The squadron also forms backbone of Search and Rescue organization. The squadron has operated in all type of terrain extending from valleys and mountains of Azad Kashmir during the recent earth quake relief operations to the shores of Tsunami hit countries of South East Asia. These helicopters are ever ready to save precious human life as integral part of SAR organization for both military and civil purposes.

333 ASW SQUADRON - ALOUETTE

Alouette are entrusted with the primary task of training pilots for their eventual induction in the Sea King squadron. Besides training, the Alouettes perform such tasks as SAR, command and liaison and visual reconnaissance. These helicopters are regularly embarked on ships proceeding to sea, from where they are deployed to perform various tasks. Alouettes have adequate Navigation and communications equipment fitted onboard, to conduct maritime missions timely and effectively. Squadron was established in 1977 with the induction of four SA 319B Alouette helicopters.Presently, Alouette strength consists of 7 aircraft.