MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter Delivery to Indian Navy

MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter Delivery to Indian Navy

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Key takeaways

  • India received its 21st MH-60R Seahawk helicopter out of 24 ordered from the United States under a deal signed in 2020.
  • Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, these all-weather multi-role helicopters replace India's aging Sea King fleet.
  • The helicopters carry Mk-54 torpedoes and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) operations.
  • The Indian Navy commissioned INAS 334 in Kochi in March 2024 and INAS 335 in Goa in December 2025 to deploy these assets.
  • A five-year sustainment package was also finalized under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.

Why in News

  • The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk helicopter from the United States.
  • This latest delivery brings the total count to 21 out of the 24 ordered multi-role naval helicopters.

Key Features and Operational Capabilities

  • Lockheed Martin manufactures the MH-60R Seahawk, which is popularly known as the 'Romeo'.
  • It is an all-weather, shipborne multi-role naval helicopter designed for advanced maritime operations.
  • Its primary roles are Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), boosting overall combat capability.
  • The helicopter carries multi-mode radar, dipping sonar, sonobuoys, electro-optical sensors, and electronic support measures to track targets.
  • It carries offensive weapons including Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes, AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and crew-served guns.
  • Besides combat operations, it can conduct search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and logistics support missions.

India's Procurement and Squadrons

  • India signed a deal with the United States in 2020 to buy 24 MH-60R helicopters to replace its aging Sea King fleet.
  • The Navy commissioned INAS 334 'Seahawks' at Kochi in March 2024 and raised INAS 335 'Ospreys' at Goa in December 2025.
  • India also signed a five-year sustainment support package under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.

Significance for Maritime Defence

  • These helicopters enhance India's ability to detect submarines, monitor ocean domains, and execute shipborne air operations.
  • The acquisition further deepens strategic defence cooperation between India and the United States.