The United States has approved a potential $1.17 billion deal to sell support systems for MH-60R multi-role helicopters to India under its Foreign Military Sales programme.The Indian Navy will commission the first squadron of MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters at INS Garuda in Kochi in March 2024. These are part of a $2.6 billion Foreign Military Sales deal for 24 Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
MH-60R Helicopters
- Maritime version: The MH-60R is the maritime version of the Black Hawk helicopter. It was purchased under a Foreign Military Sales contract for 24 helicopters with the US government in February 2020.
Operational Capabilities: This helicopter is designed for a range of missions, including:
- Anti-Submarine Warfare
- Anti-Surface Warfare
- Search and Rescue
- Medical Evacuation
State-of-the-art systems
- These helicopters are equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and avionics systems, tailored to India’s maritime security requirements.
- It has advanced digital sensors, such as multi-mode radar, electronic support measurement system, electro-optical/infrared cameras, etc.
Armament: The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, including:
- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
- MK 54 torpedoes
- Advanced weapons for precision strike
- These helicopters provide highly potent capabilities to strengthen India’s maritime security.
Importance of MH 60R Seahawks for India
- India’s Defence Modernisation: The MH 60R helicopter is a significant step towards Indian defence modernisation.
- Enhanced Operational Capability: The helicopter will enhance India’s blue water capability, thereby expanding the Navy’s operational range and maritime operational capability.
- Strengthening India’s Maritime Presence: The deployment of Seahawks will strengthen the Indian Navy’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and discourage potential threats.
- Advanced Capabilities for Security: Equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and avionics systems, these helicopters are ideal to deal with both conventional and asymmetric threats.
- India’s Commitment to Maritime Security: The induction of the Seahawks is in line with India’s vision of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region’ (SAGAR).