India inks sustainment deal of USD 946 million with US for 24 MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters

New Delhi: In massive news, India has inked a sustainment deal of USD 946 million with the United States for a fleet of 24 MH-60R 'Seahawk' naval helicopters.

The package focuses on the maintenance of naval aviation, spare parts, training, and technical support is a massive boost for the Indian Navy’s maritime reach. It improves bilateral relations while boosting interoperability with US forces and regional partners.

The US State Department too to X and announced a "great news in our defense relationship with India." It said that India has signed a sustainment package for its 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, which Lockheed Martin, a major American defense and aerospace manufacturer, has developed. The post added, "This $946 million package will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, build interoperability with the U.S. and regional partners, and make both our nations safer and more prosperous."

Interestingly, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India for a two-day State tour on December 4–5, on the occasion of the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. His agenda in India is expected to be packed and might cover crucial areas spanning defence hardware, energy cooperation, trade in national currencies, and advanced nuclear projects.

The deal means that India, for the next five years, will get comprehensive sustainment support for its MH-60R fleet at an approximate value of Rs 7,995 crore. The Union Defence Ministry has said that the package includes provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training and technical support, repair and replenishment of components, and would set up in India intermediate level component repairs and periodic maintenance inspection facilities for the fleet.

As a result, helicopters can be serviced and launched both from land bases and warships. It increases the options during deployment on mission needs.

According to Lockheed Martin, the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter brings transformational anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities to navies. It is called the helicopter 'Romeo aircraft' that 'is rugged, powerful, and reliable'. It added, "Whether operating from shore or ship, MH-60R operators can confidently prosecute the mission, and return home safely."

The MH-60R aircraft has advanced digital sensors that include the multi-mode radar, electronic support measures system, electro-optical/infrared camera, datalinks, aircraft survivability systems, dipping sonar, and sonobuoys. The fully-integrated mission system processes sensor data to build a complete situational picture of the ocean surface and subsea domain. Its weapons include torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles and rockets, and crew-served guns.