requirements are flexible, including single- or multi-engine, short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) or catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR), or both. Armaments are to include a gun plus four beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and two all-aspect air-to-air missiles. Other technical capabilities and inclusions are to be assessed. The main contest is between Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Dassault Rafale-M. Dornier 228 - Indian Navy plans to acquire 12 state-of-the-art Dornier 228 NG for anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol. These aircraft will be equipped with advanced sensors, glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, ELINT, optical sensors and networking features. Helicopters In August 2017, the Indian Navy floated request-for-information for 123 naval multi-role helicopters (NMRHs) and 111 naval utility helicopters (NUHs). V-22 Osprey – with Boeing BDS: In 2015 the Indian Aviation Research Centre (ARC) became interested in acquiring V-22s for personnel evacuation in hostile conditions, logistic supplies, and deployment of the Special Frontier Force (SFF) in border areas. India had seen it perform in relief operations of the April 2015 Nepal earthquake. Elements of the Indian Navy have also looked at the V-22 rather than the E-2D for Airborne early warning and control to replace the short-range Kamov Ka-31. UAVs The IAI-HAL NRUAV is a requirement for an unmanned helicopter capable of conducting ISR missions. In June 2017, US administration cleared sale of 22 Sea Guardian drones to India. Structure Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA) controls training, maintenance and other functions of naval aviation. Aircraft yards at Kochi, Kerala and Dabolim, Goa are responsible for maintaining the fleet's air arm. An exclusive base, INS Shikra for helicopters was commissioned in Mumbai. To protect and preserve India's growing trade with Southeast Asia and offer a defence against increasing Chinese naval presence in the Bay of Bengal, a new naval base is being built near Visakhapatnam. It is expected to be capable of harbouring two aircraft carriers, including the planned new Vikrant-class aircraft carrier. There are two more naval air stations, INS Rajali and INS Parundu in Tamil Nadu. Southern Command has at least one airfield, INS Garuda, in Kochi, Kerala. The Hindu reported on 2 February 2009 that a new airbase will be set up in Muscat, Oman to tackle piracy in the Gulf of Aden. Three years later in 2012 it is not clear whether any action has been taken on this proposal. The southernmost naval air station, INS Bazz was formally