India-US Sign Mega Rs 7,995-Crore ‘Lifeline’ For MH-60R Chopper Fleet – How This Deal Could Transform Warfighting At Sea | World News

New Delhi: The India-US defense partnership took a decisive step forward this week as Washington confirmed that New Delhi had signed a major support package for the Indian Navy’s MH-60R ‘Seahawk’ helicopters; an agreement that both countries say will transform naval operations in the Indian Ocean for years to come.

Defense Department officials have signed a contract worth Rupees 7.995 billion (US$946 million) to provide long-term support to the Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

The agreement is designed not only to ensure the aircraft flies at peak efficiency, but also to increase the Navy’s operational readiness and strengthen the way Indian and American forces work together across the region.

The US State Department highlighted the importance of the agreement in a post on

India had first purchased the helicopters through a Foreign Military Sales agreement in 2020 and the Navy has inducted around 15 aircraft into service so far. The MH-60R, often referred to as the “Romeo,” is considered one of the world’s most capable maritime helicopters, built to perform anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, search and rescue missions, surveillance missions, and shipboard deployments. The newly approved sustainment package will play a decisive role in ensuring the fleet remains ready for frontline missions.

Defense officials say the support program will reduce maintenance disruptions and allow helicopters to operate seamlessly from both shore bases and warships.

A key component of the agreement is the creation of a stronger maintenance and repair infrastructure in India that will gradually reduce dependence on foreign service providers.

The MH-60R was officially inducted into the Navy in 2021, and the first deliveries arrived shortly after. Navy’s first platform-dedicated squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned at INS Garuda in Kochi, marking a major milestone in the modernization of India’s naval aviation wing.

The aircraft carries an advanced suite of long-range sensors and mission systems that make it invaluable in the increasingly contested waters of the Indian Ocean. Anti-submarine arsenal; It includes dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar and Mk-54 torpedo, allowing it to track and neutralize underwater threats.

For surface warfare missions, it can deploy AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, light torpedoes and mounted machine guns, supported by advanced electro-optical and radar systems capable of detecting enemy ships in challenging conditions.

Widely used by the U.S. Navy and allied forces around the world, the MH-60R has earned a reputation as a platform capable of adapting to a wide range of missions, from securing vital sea lanes to medical evacuation and special operations support.

With the new sustainability agreement coming into force, India’s fleet is positioned to remain fully mission-capable at a time when maritime security has become central to New Delhi’s strategic outlook.