In a major boost to the Indo-US defense partnership, another MH-60R Seahawk helicopter has been handed over to the Indian Navy. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gore described it as “excellent news” for the Indo-US partnership, saying the advanced platform will enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The MH-60R Seahawk was handed over to the Indian Navy in Kochi last week, and two more helicopters are expected to arrive this week, the US Embassy in India said on Friday.
Sharing the announcement on X, Gore wrote, “Excellent news for our growing US-India defense partnership! Great to see this advanced capability strengthening maritime security and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Another MH-60R Seahawk, developed by Lockheed Martin, was handed over to the Indian Navy in Kochi last week, the US Embassy in India said.
“Another MH-60R Seahawk has landed on Indian shores! This highly equipped helicopter, developed by LockheedMartin, was delivered to the Indian Navy in Kochi last week, with two more arriving this week. I am pleased to see the US-India defense partnership growing stronger.”
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All about the MH-60R Seahawk, deployed during Operation Sindoor
India signed a deal with the US to purchase 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program in 2020 as part of efforts to modernize the Indian Navy’s helicopter fleet, according to the news agency. that I.
The Indian Navy officially inducted the multi-role helicopters in March 2024 at INS Garuda in Kochi.
In December 2025, India also signed a fleet sustainability package, a move aimed at ensuring long-term maintenance, increasing operational availability and improving logistics support.
The Department of Defense has approved a sustainment contract worth approx $7,995 crore (about US$946 million) to support the fleet built by Lockheed Martin.
The agreement is expected to improve operational readiness, enhance interoperability with US forces, and enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
In December 2025, after 2 Squadron was commissioned to operate the helicopters, then Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said the MH-60R was deployed during Operation Sindoor and “did what it was supposed to do.”
Describing the platform as “very robust” and “proven,” the Navy chief added, “The MH-60R is a very robust, proven platform. We are very pleased to have signed a contract to install 24 MH-60R aircraft.”
“The MH-60R helicopter has already demonstrated its prowess across multiple missions during Operation Sindoor,” the government said in a statement last year.
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Why is the MH-60R Seahawk important?
The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-role maritime helicopter designed to carry out a wide range of maritime operations.
The report added that it can carry out anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation and operations from warships, including aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates.
Its launch has significantly enhanced the Indian Navy’s ability to detect submarines, monitor strategic sea lanes, protect aircraft carrier strike groups and rapidly respond to maritime threats across the Indian Ocean region.
The helicopter is equipped with advanced mission systems, including diving sonar, acoustic buoys, multi-mode radar and Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.
For anti-surface missions, it can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes and machine guns, supported by advanced radar and electro-optical targeting systems.
The MH-60R, often referred to as the “Romeo,” is operated by the U.S. Navy and numerous partner nations around the world. Besides combat operations, it is also used for surveillance, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue and medical evacuation missions, making it one of the most versatile marine helicopters in service today.
