111 Squadron PN explained

Unit Name:111 Squadron
Native Name:۱۱۱ سکواڈرن
Dates:Since 1974
Branch:Pakistan Naval Air Arm
Type:Squadron
Role:Anti-submarine warfare & Anti-surface warfare
Garrison:PNS Mehran
Garrison Label:Station
Nickname:Arabian Sharks
Motto:Search and Strike
Colours:-->
Colours Label:-->
Mascot:A Shark
Anniversaries:8 September (Navy day)
Equipment:Westland Sea King (multiple variants)
Equipment Label:Helicopters
Battles Label:Engagements

111 ASW Squadron also known by their nickname the Arabian sharks is a helicopter squadron of the Pakistan Naval Air Arm. It is based at PNS Mehran and operates Westland Sea King helicopters deployed aboard various ships of the Pakistan Navy. The squadron was established in September 1974 at its home base as an Anti-submarine warfare squadron.[1] [2] [3]

History

On 28 September 1974, Pakistan inducted Sea King Mk. 45/45A helicopters as part of modernization project for the navy which resulted in the 111 ASW Squadron being established. These Sea kings were capable of Anti-submarine & Anti-surface warfare which could fire AM-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, Mk. 46 Torpedoes and depth charges.[4] [5]

Other than its primary wartime role, the squadron is also assigned secondary duties such as SAR, MEDEVAC, HVBSS, Para Drop and VVIP/Passenger transport.[4] In 2021, the squadron's fleet was enlarged with acquisitions of 10 ex-Qatari Sea Kings which included 5 Mk.3A ASW/ASV capable Sea kings and 5 Mk. 2A Commando variants.[6]

Operational history

The squadron has took part in various military exercises and operations throughout the years. It has conducted several recue operations during the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and 2010 floods.[4]

In the 2020 Karachi floods, the squadron's Sea Kings conducted 30 humanitarian relief and rescue missions in which more than 450 people were rescued from flooded areas.[7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Pakistan Navy ORBATS . Scramble.nl.
  2. Web site: Pakistan's Naval Air Arm . Pakistan Strategic. 23 May 2022 .
  3. Web site: PNS Mehran . Naval Technology.
  4. Web site: 111 ASW Squadron . Pakistan Navy Official Website.
  5. Web site: Naval Aviation Fleet Air Arm - Helicopters . GlobalSecurity.org.
  6. Web site: Pakistan Navy Inducts WS-61 Sea King Transport Helicopters Received from Qatar . 2022-01-26 . MilitaryLeak.com.
  7. Web site: Sea King copters lead PN's flood relief ops . 2022-09-08 . The Express Tribune.