Indian Navy MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter: The Indian Navy has received one more MH-60R Seahawk helicopter from the United States. The aircraft landed in Kochi last week, and two more helicopters are expected to arrive in India very soon. The U.S. Embassy in India shared the news and said, “Another MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter touched down on Indian shores!” In another post, it also said, “Excellent news for our growing U.S.-India defense partnership!” The new delivery adds more strength to India’s sea power and keeps the India-US defence tie moving ahead.
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Why India Needs this Helicopter
Another MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter touched down on Indian shores! Developed by @LockheedMartin, this highly equipped helicopter was delivered to the @IndianNavy at Kochi last week, with two more arriving this week. Thrilled to see the U.S.-India defense partnership growing… pic.twitter.com/v3bHFcKj8m
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 17, 2026
India first signed a deal with the United States in 2020 to buy 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters through the Foreign Military Sales programme. These helicopters are made for many navy jobs, so they are not just for one kind of mission.
They can do anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime watching, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and ship-based work. The MH-60R is also built to work in rough sea conditions and different weather. That is why it is seen as a very useful helicopter for the Indian Navy.
MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter Features
The MH-60R Seahawk comes with modern gear that helps it find danger in the sea. It has a long-range radar, dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and electro-optical sensors. It can also carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, MK-54 lightweight torpedoes, and machine guns. These systems help the helicopter track submarines, watch ships, and protect India’s coast and sea lanes. Lockheed Martin says the MH-60R brings strong anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare power to navies.
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India’s Bigger Support Plan
In November 2025, India and the United States signed a five-year sustainment deal worth about ₹7,995 crore for the full MH-60R fleet. The package covers spare parts, support equipment, product support, training, technical help, repairs, and maintenance facilities in India. The aim is simple. India wants all 24 helicopters ready for duty and able to work from ships and other locations when needed.
The first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned in March 2024 at INS Garuda in Kochi. A second squadron, INAS 335, was later commissioned in December 2025. The Navy has already said the helicopter has done well in service, and the platform has become a key part of India’s growing maritime air power.
