In April 1956, the Government of India gave its approval for the creation of Naval Aviation wing for the Indian Navy and acquired an aircraft carrier ex­ HMS Hercules, along with two aircraft squadrons of Hawker Seahawk for its air wing. On 07 July 1960, INAS-300 was commissioned with 23 Seahawk Mk 6 aircraft along with aircraft carrier HMS Hercules at the Royal Naval Air Station in Brawdy under the Command of Lt Cdr BR Acharya, sporting on its crest the White Tiger of Rewa.

The  aircraft  carrier  HMS  Hercules  was  later commissioned into the Indian Navy as INS Vikrant. Their role during the  1971 lndo-Pak conflict was very impressive. INS Vikrant, with 18 aircraft White ' Tiger  squadrons  deployed  in  the  war,  inflicted heavy  losses  on the  enemy  and  earned  name, fame  and  laurels.  INAS-300 won  one  Maha Vir Chakra, five Vir Chakras, one Nao Sena medal and four Mentions in Despatches.

The dependable war proven Seahawks, after being the mainstay of the Indian Naval air arm, have finally been phased out and disembarked from INS Vikrant for the last time on 08 May 1978 and were replaced with Sea Harriers.

The re-born White Tigers of the Indian Navy were now a totally professional outfit and came out with flying colours during frequent embarkations, joint exercises, Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training and Air to Air gunnery exercises. In the last few years the Harriers have added a new dimension to their operations with increased multinational exercises in which the Indian Navy participates. These exercises have seen the Harriers facing eye-to-eye with the best in the business. The magnificent carriers and the flying machines of the American, French and British Navies have gone back impressed. Presently, the Sea Harriers are upgraded with evolving technology. The upgraded Sea Harriers christened LUSH (Limited Upgrade Sea Harrier) would certainly add more teeth to and boost the fire-power of INAS-300, being fitted with Beyond Visual Range Missiles.

Always operating with modest equipment and resources, yet coming out with extraordinary results, the White Tigers have built an enviable reputation for themselves and continue to remain at the forefront of Indian Naval Aviation.

India Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on INAS-300.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India