A major step has taken place that will give a new height to the defense relations between India and America. The Indian Defense Ministry has approved a mega sustainment package of ₹7,995 crore (about $946 million) to enhance the maintenance and operational capability of American company Lockheed Martin’s MH-60R ‘Seahawk’ multi-role helicopter fleet. This package will strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime power, interoperability and security in the Indian Ocean region.
The US State Department also confirmed the deal by posting on Twitter and called it excellent news in India-US defense relations. The US State Department wrote that this package will enhance the maritime capabilities of the Indian Navy and strengthen operational coordination between India, the US and regional partners.
The purchase was made in 2020, so far 15 helicopters have been included
India purchased MH-60R helicopters in 2020 under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement. At present, about 15 helicopters have been inducted into the Navy, while the delivery of the remaining is going on in a phased manner. In 2021, their first squadron INAS 334 was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi.
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Capable of anti-submarine to surface warfare
The MH-60R ‘Seahawk’ helicopter, known worldwide as ‘Romeo’, is considered a state-of-the-art maritime warfare platform. It is capable of carrying out anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface missions, search and rescue, intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance operations and ship-based missions with utmost accuracy. Equipped with long range sensors, multi-mode radar, night vision system and advanced weapons such as Hellfire missiles, torpedoes and machine guns, this helicopter proves to be a game-changer in maritime security.
Sustainment package will increase availability
The new sustainment package will increase the availability of these helicopters, while reducing both maintenance time and costs. This will not only develop local maintenance infrastructure in India, but will also reduce dependence on foreign technical assistance. Naval ships will make their operations more effective and faster.
According to experts, the MH-60R fleet enhances the capability of the Indian Navy manifold, whether it is submarine tracking, action against enemy ships, security of sea routes, carrier group protection or quick response in crisis situations. This deal is being considered a major step towards further strengthening India’s strategic power and maritime hold in the Indo-Pacific region.
