India Secures ₹7,995 Crore Agreement to Enhance Navy's MH-60R Seahawk Fleet

In a strategic move aimed at fortifying maritime security, India has finalized a ₹7,995 crore (around USD 946 million) sustainment package with the United States for its fleet of MH-60R "Seahawk" helicopters. This agreement, endorsed by the Ministry of Defence, focuses on boosting operational readiness, enhancing maintenance efficiency, and fostering interoperability between the Indian Navy and US military in the Indian Ocean.

The package supports 24 MH-60R helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin, which India originally procured through a Foreign Military Sales agreement back in 2020. To date, around 15 of these helicopters have been integrated into the Indian Navy's operations. The MH-60R Seahawk serves multiple functions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, surveillance, search-and-rescue missions, and operations from naval vessels or shore-based installations.

As stated by the US State Department, this sustainment initiative will allow India to maintain heightened helicopter availability and minimize maintenance time, ensuring effective operational capability from coastal bases and warships. Additionally, this package promotes the development of local maintenance systems, reducing reliance on foreign providers and enabling smooth integration of the helicopters into India's maritime framework.

Equipped with sophisticated long-range sensors and weaponry, the MH-60R includes AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes, and machine guns. Its anti-submarine features comprise dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar, and Mk-54 torpedoes, equipping it to detect submarines, secure shipping lanes, and provide support for aircraft carrier groups.

Commonly referred to as "Romeo," the MH-60R Seahawk is a vital asset for the US Navy and allied nations, performing diverse roles from maritime surveillance to medical evacuations and ship-based missions. The Indian Navy's inaugural MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned at INS Garuda in Kochi, further enhancing India’s capacity for maritime defence.

This ₹7,995 crore agreement is a pivotal advancement in India-US defence relations, ensuring that the Indian Navy is equipped to defend its waters and uphold stability in the strategically crucial Indian Ocean region.