SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Navy is set to receive the remaining 15 MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters from the United States by the end of 2025. This follows the 2020 agreement with the U.S. Government, under which India procured 24 MH-60R helicopters in a deal worth over 14,000 crore.
The agreement, finalized in February 2020, was part of efforts to modernize the Indian Navy’s helicopter fleet with advanced, mission-capable aircraft. The MH-60R Seahawk, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a versatile platform designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), and other critical naval operations.
The MH-60R replaces older models like the Sea King, offering state-of-the-art avionics, sensors, and weapon systems that enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to operate in increasingly contested maritime environments.
In 2021, The Indian Navy received the first three helicopters on an expedited basis, originally produced for the U.S. Navy. This transfer was facilitated following an urgent operational requirement by the Indian Navy. Six more helicopters followed as part of the phased delivery schedule. The initial batch has already been integrated into the Navy’s fleet, with Indian crews trained in the U.S. to operate and maintain these advanced helicopters.
The remaining 15 helicopters are expected to be delivered by 2025, completing the contract. The MH-60R acquisition comes at a time when India is enhancing its maritime domain awareness and operational readiness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The platform’s ability to operate from aircraft carriers, frigates, and destroyers makes it a crucial asset for India’s blue-water navy aspirations.
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