Boost to Maritime Power: India Locks Rs 7,995 Crore Deal With US for MH-60R Helicopter Fleet Support

India on Friday finalised a Rs 7,995-crore agreement with the United States to provide long-term sustainment support for the Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

The deal, signed through Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, will cover a five-year period, ensuring that India’s most advanced maritime helicopters remain fully mission-ready.

The signing comes at a sensitive juncture in Indo-US relations, following US President Donald Trump’s imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods in late August.

Despite these trade tensions, both sides have moved forward with the defense agreement, highlighting the strategic importance of the MH-60R fleet to India’s maritime security.

The comprehensive support package includes provisioning of critical spares, technical and logistical support, training, repair and replenishment of components, as well as the establishment of intermediate-level repair and periodic maintenance facilities within India.

According to the Defence Ministry, setting up these in-country facilities will not only enhance operational availability but also reduce India’s long-term dependence on external sources, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The initiative is expected to foster indigenous development through MSMEs and other Indian firms, creating opportunities for domestic aviation support industries.

The MH-60R Seahawk, manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, is an all-weather, multi-role maritime helicopter. It is capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, maritime surveillance, and over-the-horizon targeting, making it one of the most advanced helicopters in its class.

The helicopter is a naval variant of the iconic Black Hawk and comes equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, avionics, and weapons systems, giving the Indian Navy a significant boost in blue-water operational capability.

India had originally signed the procurement contract for 24 MH-60Rs in February 2020, and the first three helicopters were delivered in 2021.

The sustainment support package is designed to maintain and enhance the fleet’s performance across all operational scenarios, allowing the helicopters to operate effectively from both land bases and naval vessels.

With increasing strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, the agreement ensures that the MH-60R fleet can maintain high operational readiness, conduct continuous anti-submarine patrols, and respond swiftly to maritime threats.

The contract, therefore, represents a critical investment in India’s maritime strength, combining state-of-the-art technology with long-term self-reliance in defense support capabilities.