• The Indian Navy will commission its newly-inducted MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters in Kochi on March 6.

• The Seahawks squadron will be commissioned in the Indian Navy as INAS 334.

• The commissioning of the helicopters is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s operational capability in the Indian Ocean Region.

• The US-manufactured MH 60R Seahawk is a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter.

• The helicopter is designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue and medical evacuation among other operations.

• The advanced weapons, sensors and avionics suite make the Seahawks ideal for the Indian Navy’s maritime security needs, offering enhanced capabilities for both conventional as well as asymmetric threats.

• India signed an agreement with the US for procurement of 24-MH 60Rs in February 2020 under the framework of foreign military sales.

• The helicopter has been rigorously tested in Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions and is fully integrated into the fleet.

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