Romanian Naval Aviation

Romanian Naval Aviation
Aviația Navală
Badge used by the present day Naval Aviation
Active1920–1960
2006–Present
CountryRomania
Branch Romanian Naval Forces
TypeNaval aviation
Part ofFleet Command "Viceamiral Vasile Urseanu"
EngagementsSecond World War
Commanders
Current
commander
Comandor Petre Pavlov
Insignia
Roundel

The Romanian Naval Aviation is the air arm of the Romanian Navy. It was founded in 1920 as Escadrila de hydroplane (Seaplane Squadron). Currently, the Romanian Naval Aviation consists of Grupul 256 Elicoptere (256th Helicopter Group) equipped with IAR 330 Naval helicopters.

Originally, the Seaplane Squadron operated Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 floatplanes and Hansa-Brandenburg FB flying boats. These were followed by native-built aircraft and imports from Italy (flying boats) and Germany (floatplanes), resulting in a sizable and active force of over 70 watercraft by the time of the Second World War.