India and the United States have signed a $946 million (₹7,995 crore) sustainment package for the Indian Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet, marking a significant advancement in bilateral defence cooperation. The agreement enhances India’s long-term maritime readiness and deepens strategic interoperability between the two nations.
The announcement was made on X by the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, which highlighted that the sustainment programme will strengthen maritime security, support regional stability, and contribute to shared prosperity.
“India’s Ministry of Defence has signed a sustainment package for its 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin. This $946 million package will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, bolster interoperability with the United States and regional partners, and make both our nations safer and more prosperous,” the bureau stated.
According to PTI, the agreement will support the establishment of local maintenance infrastructure, lower India’s reliance on overseas service providers, and enable seamless integration of the helicopters into naval operations.
About the MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters
India procured the MH-60R Seahawk fleet under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement in 2020, and approximately 15 helicopters have been inducted so far.
The MH-60R—commonly known as the “Romeo”—is a versatile, multi-role maritime helicopter designed for a range of missions, including:
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Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
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Anti-surface warfare (ASuW)
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Surveillance and reconnaissance
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Search and rescue (SAR)
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Ship-borne aviation operations
Equipped with advanced long-range sensors and precision-guided weapons, the MH-60R enhances India’s ability to protect critical sea lanes, support carrier battle groups, and respond swiftly to maritime threats.
Weapons and Systems
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AGM-114 Hellfire missiles
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Lightweight torpedoes
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Machine guns
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Dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar
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Electro-optical/infrared systems
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Mk-54 torpedoes for anti-submarine missions
The helicopter was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2021, and the first squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned at INS Garuda in Kochi.
