MH 60R Seahawk Helicopters: On March 6, at INS Garuda in Kochi, Kerala, the Indian Navy will commission the multirole helicopter MH 60R Seahawk as part of its modernization effort. India has acquired six MH-60R helicopters, the marine version of the Blackhawk helicopter manufactured by US defence firm Lockheed Martin. The aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya will host the MH60R helicopters for deployment. India placed an order for 24 multi-mission Romeo helicopters with Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedoes and Hellfire air-to-surface missiles in 2020, costing $2.6 billion. The modifications were made specifically for India.
Vivek Madhwal, a PRO Commander in the Indian Navy, announced that the Seahawks squadron will become INAS 334 upon its commissioning. He said that with its introduction, the military will see a notable increase in its maritime capabilities.
HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters: Deployed to assist in search and rescue missions
MH 60R Seahawk Helicopters
The helicopter is intended for use in search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). The helicopter is completely incorporated into the Fleet and has undergone extensive testing under Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions. The Seahawks’ cutting-edge armaments, sensors, and avionics suite make them perfect for the Indian Navy’s maritime security requirements, providing improved defences against both asymmetric and conventional attacks.
The MH 60R helicopter would improve India’s blue-water capabilities by expanding the Navy’s operational reach and enabling long-term naval operations over wide maritime domains and spectrums. The Seahawk’s deployment in the Indian Ocean Rim would strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime presence, thwarting any threats and ensuring a safe and secure environment in this crucial strategic region.
The Seahawks’ commissioning highlights the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to bolstering maritime security, which harmonises with the government of India’s aspirational objective of guaranteeing Security and Growth for All in the Region.
