An MH-60R Seahawk on INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously made aircraft carrier. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to commission its newly acquired MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters at INS Garuda, Kochi, on Wednesday. This will mark a key milestone in India’s defence modernization journey. The Seahawks will form the maritime force’s Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 334.
It may be noted that the Navy received the sixth MH-60R “Romeo” (Seahawk) helicopter from Lockheed Martin in December 2023, as India Sentinels had reported then. The US-based defence behemoth also said it expects to complete the delivery of all the MH-60R choppers that India ordered by 2025.
The Seahawks are maritime variants of the Blackhawk helicopter, designed for various missions such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).
The helicopters have undergone rigorous testing in Indian reference atmosphere (IRA) conditions and are fully integrated into the fleet. They are equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and avionics that make them ideal for the Navy’s maritime security needs, providing enhanced capabilities for both conventional and asymmetric threats.
The MH 60R helicopters will enhance India's blue-water capabilities, extending the operational reach of the Navy and supporting sustained naval operations across a wide range of maritime domains. The Seahawks’ deployment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) will strengthen the Navy’s maritime presence, deter potential threats and ensure a secure and safe environment in this strategically vital region.
The commissioning of the Seahawks reflects the Navy’s commitment to fortifying maritime security, aligning seamlessly with India’s goal of ensuring security and growth for all in the region.
