INS Dega (Visakhapatnam Airport)

INS Dega is an Indian Navy air station located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on the east coast of India. The installation operates as a dual-use military and civil airfield, sharing its infrastructure with Visakhapatnam Airport.

Indian Navy aviation operations at Visakhapatnam commenced on 23 December 1972 when the 321 Helicopter Flight was based at INS Circars. In 1976, four helipads and associated hangars were constructed adjacent to the civil airfield. On 12 March 1986, the civilian airport was transferred from the National Airport Authority of India to the Indian Navy and designated as Naval Air Station, Visakhapatnam. The site initially hosted the 321 Chetak Flight and other ship-borne flights. Following the construction of additional hangars, maintenance facilities, and an operations complex, the air station was formally commissioned as INS Dega on 21 October 1991.

Operated by the Indian Naval Air Arm, INS Dega hosts multiple Indian naval air squadrons (INAS). Resident fixed-wing units include INAS 551, a fighter training squadron operating BAE Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers, and INAS 311, a reconnaissance squadron operating Dornier 228 aircraft. Rotary-wing units comprise INAS 321, a search and rescue squadron equipped with HAL Chetak helicopters; INAS 324, operating HAL Dhruv Mk.III MR helicopters; INAS 333, an anti-submarine warfare squadron operating Kamov Ka-28 helicopters; and INAS 350, a logistics and transport squadron flying Sea King 42C helicopters.

The airbase also accommodates a UAV squadron operating DRDO Lakshya pilotless targeting drones, as well as various ship-borne aviation units including the Vishakhapatnam Chetak Flight. Additionally, an Indian Coast Guard aviation enclave (CGAE Dega) is stationed at the facility, operating a flight of HAL Chetak helicopters.