New Delhi: India and the United States have signed a Rs 7,995 crore contract for a five-year follow-on support package for the Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, strengthening operational readiness and long-term maintenance capabilities.
The agreement, signed under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, ensures comprehensive sustainment support for the fleet, including provisioning of spares, support equipment, training, technical assistance, component repairs, and periodic maintenance inspections. The defence ministry highlighted that these facilities will be developed in India, reducing dependence on the US while promoting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and enabling participation of MSMEs and other Indian firms in indigenous product and service development.
The MH-60R Seahawk, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, is an all-weather maritime helicopter equipped with advanced avionics and sensors capable of performing multiple roles, including anti-submarine warfare. The support package will enhance the operational availability, maintainability, and deployment flexibility of the helicopters across ships and dispersed locations.
India had initially procured 24 MH-60R helicopters in February 2020, with the first three units delivered in 2021. The follow-on support agreement underscores the growing defence collaboration between India and the US despite recent trade tensions.
The defence ministry noted that the in-country maintenance infrastructure and support framework will build long-term capabilities, ensuring that the Navy’s Seahawk fleet remains fully mission-ready while contributing to India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.
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