Indian Navy accepted the first two of its MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters (MRH) from US Navy in a ceremony held at NAS North Island, San Diego last weekend. The ceremony marked the formal transfer of these helicopters from US Navy to Indian Navy, which were accepted by Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Indian Ambassador to USA. The ceremony also witnessed exchange of helicopter documents between Vice Adm Kenneth Whitesell, Commander Naval Air Forces, USN and Vice Adm Ravneet Singh, DCNS, IN.
MH-60R helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation, USA is an all-weather helicopter designed to support multiple missions with state of the art avionics/ sensors. Indian Navy is procuring 24 of these helicopters under Foreign Military Sales from the US Government. The helicopters would also be modified with several India Unique Equipment and weapons. In order to exploit these potent helicopters, the first batch of Indian crew are presently undergoing training in USA. The induction of these MRH would enhance Indian Navy’s three dimensional capabilities.
MH-60R IN INDO- US PARTNERSHIP:
MH-60R is the latest thread in the stories of U.S.-India partnerships. It is the largest program for Lockheed Martin in India in support of United States Government foreign military sales. The MH-60R provides a vital capability for the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region. The US Navy and its’ MH-60R international partners are committed to operating the MH-60R for the next 30 years. An MH-60R acquisition allows the Indian Navy to benefit from an active production line getting them this capability quickly, and the ongoing support we are providing for over 300 MH-60Rs flown by the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Danish Navy, and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. MH-60R acquisition ensures partner Navies are part of the technology insertion roadmap, including obsolescence mitigation, ensuring the Romeo stays relevant and ahead of the evolving threat environment.
ABOUT MH-60R MULTI ROLE HELICOPTER
Proven Performance: Over 300 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters worldwide with over 600,000 flight hours accumulated. International Operations for the U.S. Navy, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
Unmatched Multi-Mission Capability: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) / Anti-Surface (ASuW), Special Operations / Search & Rescue (SAR), Utility / Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Command and Control (C2).
Superior Maritime Capabilities: Fully Integrated Mission System builds complete situational awareness and actionable knowledge, enabling target engagement both close-in and over-the-horizon.
Most Reliable, Cost Effective: 98% Availability (Ready Basic Aircraft), Less than $5K (USD) cost per flight hour, Lowest life-cycle cost in its class.