ALOUETTE
333 ASW SQUADRON
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
SEA KING
111 ASW/ASV SQUADRON
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. |
