India’s defence modernization journey reached a pivotal milestone with the commissioning of the MH-60R multi-role helicopters at INS Garuda, Kochi. The commissioning ceremony took place in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, and this signifies a significant step forward in enhancing India’s maritime prowess.

The MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter was commissioned in the Seahawks Squadron in the Indian Navy as INAS 334. These helicopters, part of a 24-helicopter contract with the US, are poised to fortify India’s naval capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.  The flying machines manufactured by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, are coming through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. As tensions escalate in the high seas and crises deepens in the Red Sea, the commissioning of these Seahawks underscores India’s commitment to maritime security and regional stability.

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The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter serves as a maritime version of the Blackhawk helicopter. The variant recently commissioned has been tailored specifically for use by the Indian Navy, addressing the challenges it encounters both regionally and beyond.

“The MH-60R helicopter will boost India’s capabilities in blue-water operations, expanding the Navy’s operational range and facilitating sustained naval activities across various spectrums and extensive maritime areas. Deploying Seahawk helicopters in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) will bolster the Indian Navy’s presence at sea, deterring potential threats and ensuring a secure environment in this strategically vital region,” stated the Navy.

Furthermore, the commissioning of the Seahawks reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to bolstering maritime security, aligning seamlessly with the Government of India’s vision of ensuring Security And Growth for All in the Region.

The Indian Navy anticipates a significant enhancement in its maritime capabilities with the inclusion of the Seahawks. These helicopters are specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and vertical replenishment (VERTREP) missions. Equipped with Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedoes, the choppers are well-equipped for various operations.

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Moreover, the Navy emphasized that the Seahawk helicopter has undergone extensive testing in Indian climatic conditions and has been fully integrated into the fleet. Its advanced weaponry, sensors, and avionics suite cater to the maritime security needs of the Indian Navy, providing enhanced capabilities to counter both conventional and asymmetric threats.

India has procured 24 MH-60R helicopters from the US through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, constituting a government-to-government deal worth US$2.6 billion. The sale received approval from the former Donald Trump administration in 2019 and was subsequently endorsed by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security in 2020. The delivery of the remaining units is expected to be finalized by 2025.  

Lockheed Martin’s Comment on the Commissioning

Congratulating the Indian Navy on this historic milestone, AVM Michael Fernandez (Retd.), Country Head, Lockheed Martin India, said: “The commissioning of the advanced MH-60R helicopters by the Indian Navy marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and partnership between the United States Navy, the Indian Navy and Lockheed Martin. Our collaboration with India is rooted in a shared dedication to maritime security and ensuring a safe and open Indo-Pacific.”

Adding, “As the proud manufacturer of the advanced MH-60R helicopters, we are committed to equipping the Indian Navy with state-of-the-art solutions to meet their 21st century security challenges. We thank the government of India for its confidence and look forward to supporting our partners in the Indian armed forces in the coming years.”