MH-60R Helicopter Deal Marks Milestone in US India Relations
According to information published by the US Government on December 2, 2024, the U.S. State Department has approved a significant arms deal with India, valued at an estimated $1.17 billion. This proposed Foreign Military Sale (FMS) encompasses advanced equipment and support for the MH-60R multi-mission helicopters. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has certified the agreement and informed Congress.
The deal includes the acquisition of 30 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS), along with an extensive range of support systems and services. India will receive advanced data transfer systems, external fuel tanks, and forward-looking infrared systems to enhance the helicopters’ operational efficiency. The package also covers software development, munitions integration, logistics support, training for personnel, and repair capabilities.
MH-60R Helicopter
The MH-60R Seahawk, produced by Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division, is a multi-role maritime helicopter. Its introduction into the Indian Navy’s fleet marks a significant modernization effort aimed at enhancing operational readiness and enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence gathering, and search-and-rescue missions, the platform is poised to fill critical capability gaps.
Equipped with advanced sensors and mission systems, the MH-60R offers unparalleled situational awareness. The AN/APS-153(V) multi-mode radar enhances surface search and periscope detection, while the AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar provides submarine detection capabilities. Its electro-optical and infrared systems ensure precise targeting in challenging environments. The ability to integrate with advanced data links allows the helicopter to act as a seamless extension of surface and air fleets, relaying real-time information critical for mission success.
Armed with Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes for ASW operations and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for surface strikes, the MH-60R provides a robust response to diverse maritime threats. Its compatibility with Indian Navy platforms such as frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers ensures comprehensive coverage of the fleet’s operational spectrum.
Incorporating the MH-60R into India’s maritime strategy addresses key regional challenges. The Indian Navy faces an increasingly contested IOR, with adversaries such as China expanding their naval footprint through submarine deployments and strategic port access. The MH-60R’s advanced ASW capabilities are crucial in countering these developments, providing an edge in tracking and neutralizing undersea threats. The platform also enhances India’s interoperability with Quad allies.
Operational versatility extends beyond combat missions. The MH-60R is well-suited for search-and-rescue operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief efforts. These capabilities position India as a reliable net security provider in the region, supporting its aspirations for greater strategic influence.