Indian Navy to boost fleet with three more MH-60R Seahawks

New Delhi, July 18. The Indian Navy is set to bolster its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities with the induction of three additional MH-60R Seahawk multi-role maritime helicopters, taking its operational fleet of the advanced US-made helicopters to 21.

US defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin delivered one MH-60R helicopter last week, while two more are expected to arrive this week. Following the completion of documentation, inspections and validation procedures, the helicopters are expected to be inducted into naval service within the next few days.

India signed a $2.6-billion contract with the US in 2020 for the procurement of 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, with deliveries beginning in 2021. The helicopters are replacing the ageing British-origin Sea King fleet that has served the Navy for decades.

Currently, 15 MH-60R helicopters are deployed aboard frontline naval warships, while three others remain in the US for the training of Indian Navy pilots. The induction of the latest batch will increase the fleet strength to 21, with the final three helicopters yet to be delivered.

Welcoming the development, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor posted on X that the delivery marked another milestone in the growing India-US defence partnership, adding that the advanced capability would strengthen maritime security and support the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Advanced maritime warfare platform

The MH-60R Seahawk significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s airborne combat capability by providing advanced anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue and maritime strike capabilities.

Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, advanced avionics and a comprehensive weapons suite, the helicopter improves maritime domain awareness and enables rapid detection, tracking and engagement of underwater and surface threats.

Its advanced systems include a fully digital glass cockpit compatible with night-vision goggles, a missile approach warning system, laser rangefinder, electronic support measures, decoy dispensers, infrared jammer and a multi-mode radar capable of automatic detection and classification of submarine periscopes.

Powered by twin turboshaft engines, the Seahawk can operate with a crew of three to four personnel and accommodate up to five additional passengers. It has a payload capacity of around 3,000 kg, a top speed of about 330 kmph and an operational range of approximately 830 km. The helicopter can be armed with lightweight torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles, machine guns and airborne mine countermeasure systems.

The MH-60R has also been integrated with India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. According to the Indian Navy, the platform has been extensively tested under Indian environmental conditions and substantially enhances the Navy’s blue-water operational capability by extending its reach across the Indian Ocean Region.

Designed specifically for naval operations, the MH-60R is derived from the Black Hawk helicopter used by the US Army but incorporates folding rotor blades and a hinged tail section, enabling compact storage aboard warships.

India-specific capability enhancement

To maximise the operational effectiveness of the MH-60R fleet, India has been steadily acquiring associated weapons, sensors and logistical support from the United States.

In August 2024, Washington approved a $52.8-million sale of more than 500 advanced anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys for deployment from the MH-60R helicopters. The expendable acoustic sensors enable the detection and tracking of hostile submarines over long distances.

Two months later, the US approved the sale of 53 MK-54 lightweight torpedoes, along with associated equipment, training and logistical support, further strengthening the helicopters’ anti-submarine strike capability.

India also signed a ₹7,995-crore sustainment support agreement with the US last year to ensure long-term maintenance and operational readiness of the MH-60R fleet. The package covers spares, technical assistance, specialised equipment, maintenance infrastructure, repair facilities and personnel training.

The Ministry of Defence has said that establishing maintenance and component repair facilities within India will enhance indigenous capability, reduce long-term dependence on overseas support and contribute to the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India).

Proven global platform

The MH-60 helicopter family entered service with the US military in 1984, while development of the advanced MH-60R variant began in 1993. The helicopter made its maiden flight in 1999 and entered operational service with the US Navy in 2006.

Nearly 940 MH-60 helicopters have been built, with various versions currently in service with several countries, including Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Israel, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the US.

The helicopter is manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, now a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. Founded in 1923 by aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky, the company has been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of military and civilian helicopters for over a century.