Often Called the "Romeo," the MH-60R Seahawk is Used by the US Navy for Surveillance, Rescue, and Medical Evacuation.

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India and the US have signed a landmark $946-million contract to sustain the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH-60R Seahawks. This ensures a long-term operational readiness and strengthening defence cooperation between New Delhi and Washington.

India US Defence Deal

The announcement was made through X by the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, which said the deal (worth $946 million or Rs. 7,995 crore) would make both nations “safer and prosperous”.

"Great news in our defence relationship with India. India's Ministry of Defence signed a sustainment package for its 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin. This 946 million dollar 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," the post read.

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How Will it Help the Indian Defence Sector?

“It will help India establish local maintenance infrastructure, reduce reliance on foreign service providers, and integrate helicopters more effectively into maritime operations,” the report added.

India purchased the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters under a Foreign Military Sales agreement in 2020 and has inducted approximately 15 aircraft to date.

‘Romeo’ MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters

MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-role maritime helicopter capable of performing anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue operations, surveillance, and ship-based missions.

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They are equipped with long-range sensors and compatible weapons. It can detect submarines, protect sea lanes, support carrier groups and respond to maritime threats.

The helicopter can carry missiles, lightweight torpedoes, and machine guns for surface missions. Its advanced radar and electro-optical systems identify and engage hostile surface targets.

Its anti-submarine warfare systems include dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar and the Mk-54 torpedo. MH-60R Seahawk is also known as Romeo by defense personnel.

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Final Thoughts 

This versatile platform will be used for surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and warship-based missions. The package is designed to help India build its own maintenance and repair infrastructure, reducing dependence on foreign service providers. This will support smoother operations from both coastal air stations and naval warships.

It was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2021, and the first squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned at INS Garuda in Kochi. The agreement aims to improve long-term operational readiness, strengthen interoperability with US forces, and enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.