Chopper MH-60R submarine hunter Romeo soared into action with the new Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 334 with its commissioning on Wednesday in the presence of Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff at INS Garuda, a naval air station and also the “cradle of naval aviation” in Kochi. Captain M Abhisheik Ram will be the commanding officer of the INAS 334 squadron.
Manufactured by US majors Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky, the MH-60R represents the naval variant of the renowned US Blackhawk helicopter. Recognised as one of the world’s most formidable anti-submarine helicopters, it stands out as a game-changer owing to its robust anti-submarine/surface capabilities and advanced command and control features.
MH 60R Commissioning Ceremony
While addressing the gathering, the Chief of the Naval Staff described the MH 60R helicopter as one of the potent multi-role helicopters in the world which will significantly enhance the country’s maritime capabilities and secure national interests. “As far as the Indian Navy is concerned, we have an unequivocal commitment to the Nation – that of protecting, preserving, promoting and pursuing national interests in the maritime domain. With their cutting-edge sensors and multi-mission capabilities, MH 60Rs will augment our maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities,” Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar, said at the commissioning ceremony.
India ordered 24 MH-60R helicopters through a $905 million government-to-government agreement with the United States. In 2021, two helicopters were officially transferred to the Indian Navy by their US counterparts. The introduction of the ‘Seahawks’ holds particular importance, given the growing operational demands of the Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the ageing Sea King fleet, which has been a cornerstone for Anti-Submarine/Surface operations, Search and Rescue missions, and more. MH-60R, popularly known as ‘Seahawks’, will replace the Westland Sea King in service since 1971.
Romeo – The Submarine Hunter
MH60 Romeo
The formidable Romeo variant boasts an operational range of around 700 km, making it a fitting selection for the Navy’s operational needs in the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean Region. With the Navy actively patrolling an extensive area spanning 2.5 million nautical miles, its recognition as a Blue Water Navy in the subcontinent necessitates a substantial fleet of powerful helicopters.
The MH-60R’s radar system, meticulously developed by Lockheed Martin, is capable of locating, tracking, and engaging submarines. It excels in radar periscope detection against potential submarine threats. It incorporates advanced electronic warfare features such as missile warners, infrared jammers, and chaff and flare decoy dispensers to counteract heat-seeking missiles. The inverse synthetic aperture radar enhances the helicopter’s ability to detect the movements of enemy submarines, enabling it to launch torpedoes effectively. Also, its air-to-ground attack capabilities prove valuable in countering surface vessels.
Equipped with advanced command and control capabilities, the helicopter utilizes sensor data to construct a comprehensive situational overview of both the ocean surface and subsea domain. Its versatile functions extend to Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, reconnaissance, communication relay, and logistics support. Notably, the chopper offers naval gunfire support, particularly during amphibious operations when troops are transported by sea, land on the surface, and engage with their missile fire and rocket munitions.
The MH-60R is versatile in its operational platforms and capable of deployment from aircraft carriers, destroyers, and various warships. Lockheed Martin asserts that the MH-60R boasts the lowest operational and maintenance costs within its variant.
Ravi Shankar
