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]
| 111 Squadron | |
|---|---|
| ۱۱۱ سکواڈرن | |
 A Sea King Mk. 45 of the 111 Squadron conducting rescue exercises at international waters in 2010. | |
| Active | Since 1974 (50 years, 2 months) |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan Navy |
| Branch | Pakistan Naval Air Arm |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Anti-submarine warfare & Anti-surface warfare |
| Station | PNS Mehran |
| Nickname(s) | Arabian Sharks |
| Motto(s) | Search and Strike |
| Mascot(s) | A Shark |
| Anniversaries | 8 September (Navy day) |
| Helicopters | Westland Sea King (multiple variants) |
History
editOn 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
editThe 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
editReferences
edit- ^ "Pakistan Navy ORBATS". Scramble.nl.
- ^ "Pakistan's Naval Air Arm". Pakistan Strategic. 23 May 2022.
- ^ "PNS Mehran". Naval Technology.
- ^ a b c "111 ASW Squadron". Pakistan Navy Official Website.
- ^ "Naval Aviation Fleet Air Arm - Helicopters". GlobalSecurity.org.
- ^ "Pakistan Navy Inducts WS-61 Sea King Transport Helicopters Received from Qatar". MilitaryLeak.com. 2022-01-26.
- ^ "Sea King copters lead PN's flood relief ops". The Express Tribune. 2022-09-08.
