Three MH-60R multi-role helicopters contracted by the Navy from the United States are scheduled to arrive in India by mid-July.

In July 2021, the Indian Navy received two MH-60R multi-role helicopters.

MH-60R helicopters

• MH-60 Romeo helicopter, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, is an all-weather helicopter designed to support multiple missions with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors.

• Lockheed Martin Corporation has provided MH-60Rs to the US Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Danish Navy, and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.

• MH-60R acquisition ensures partner navies are part of the technology insertion roadmap, including obsolescence mitigation, ensuring the Romeo stays relevant and ahead of the evolving threat environment.

• India is procuring 24 of these helicopters from the US government under the framework of foreign military sales from the US government at an estimated cost of $2.4 billion.

• The deal was signed in February 2020, when the then US president Donald Trump was on his maiden visit to India.

• The MH-60R will provide a vital capability for the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.

• An MH-60R acquisition allows the Indian Navy to benefit from an active production line getting them this capability quickly. 

• The helicopters would be modified with several India-specific unique equipment and weapons.

• The helicopters would also be modified with several equipment and weapons for the Indian Navy.

• The induction of these helicopters would further enhance the Indian Navy’s three dimensional capabilities.

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