Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a major step to strengthen maritime security and defence cooperation, India has signed a Rs 7,995 crore (approximately USD 946 million) sustainment package with the United States for its MH-60R "Seahawk" helicopter fleet. The deal, approved by India’s Ministry of Defence, aims to improve operational readiness, enhance maintenance efficiency, and increase interoperability between the Indian Navy and US forces in the Indian Ocean region.

The contract will support 24 MH-60R helicopters produced by Lockheed Martin, which India acquired under a Foreign Military Sales agreement in 2020. So far, around 15 helicopters have been inducted into the Indian Navy. The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-role maritime helicopter, capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface missions, surveillance, search-and-rescue, and operations from naval ships or coastal facilities.

According to the US State Department, this sustainment package will allow India to maintain higher helicopter availability while reducing maintenance time, ensuring that the fleet can operate efficiently from coastal stations and warships. The package also supports the development of local maintenance infrastructure, reducing dependence on foreign service providers and allowing seamless integration of the helicopters into India’s maritime operations.

The MH-60R is equipped with advanced long-range sensors and weapon systems, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes, and machine guns. Its anti-submarine capabilities include dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar, and Mk-54 torpedoes, making it a powerful tool for detecting submarines, protecting sea lanes, and supporting aircraft carrier groups.

Nicknamed "Romeo," the MH-60R Seahawk is widely used by the US Navy and partner nations, serving in versatile roles such as maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue, medical evacuation, and ship-based missions. The Indian Navy first commissioned its MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, at INS Garuda in Kochi, further strengthening India’s maritime defence capabilities.

This Rs 7,995 crore deal marks a significant milestone in India-US defence cooperation, ensuring that the Indian Navy is better equipped to secure its waters, respond to threats, and maintain stability in the strategically important Indian Ocean region.

#Global News