INS Hansa, Naval air station in Dabolim, India.
INS Hansa is a naval air station in Dabolim that operates as both a military installation and civilian airport. The base features runways and aircraft hangars that support operations by multiple naval squadrons across different roles.
The base relocated from Coimbatore to Dabolim in 1964 after the Indian military took control of the Goa region in 1961. This move established a major center for naval aviation operations in southern India.
The name comes from the Sanskrit word Hansa, meaning swan, linking naval aviation here to references in ancient Indian literature. This choice reflects a cultural connection between the base and traditional Indian symbols.
The base can be reached by local road and is positioned near Goa's main airport, making access straightforward from the region. Visitors should know that entry to this military installation may require prior clearance or special permissions.
The base houses a Shore Based Test Facility featuring an exact replica of an aircraft carrier deck used for training naval pilots. This training setup allows pilots to practice carrier landing procedures on land before operating from actual ships.
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