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The United States on Friday highlighted the growing defence partnership with India as another batch of MH-60R Romeo Seahawk naval helicopters arrived for the Indian Navy, describing the deliveries as a sign of closer maritime cooperation.
In a post on X, the U.S. Embassy in India said, “Another MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter touched down on Indian shores… Thrilled to see the U.S.-India defence partnership growing stronger,” while confirming that one helicopter had been delivered at Kochi last week and two more were arriving this week.
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
The latest deliveries will raise the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters to 21, with induction expected after completion of documentation and technical validation over the next few days.
India had contracted 24 MH-60R Seahawks from Lockheed Martin under a $2.6-billion deal, with deliveries beginning in 2021. After the current batch, only the final three helicopters remain to be delivered.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also welcomed the development, posting on X: “Excellent news for growing US-India defence partnership! Great to see this advanced capability strengthening maritime security and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Replacing an ageing fleet
The MH-60Rs are replacing the Indian Navy’s ageing British-origin Sea King helicopters and significantly strengthening the fleet’s anti-submarine warfare capability at a time of growing underwater activity in the Indian Ocean Region.
Fifteen Seahawks are already operational aboard frontline naval warships, while three additional helicopters remain in the United States for pilot training. The arrival of the latest three aircraft will increase the available fleet to 21.
Also Read: Indian Navy Commissions Submarine Hunter Chopper MH-60R Squadron
Force multiplier at sea
The MH-60R is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced multi-role naval helicopters, designed primarily for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare while also undertaking maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue and special operations missions.
Equipped with advanced avionics, world-class sensors, and a potent weapons suite, the helicopter features a glass cockpit compatible with night-vision goggles, a multi-mode radar with automatic periscope detection capability, electronic support measures, missile approach warning systems, an infrared jammer, a laser rangefinder, and decoy dispensers.
The helicopter can carry a crew of three to four personnel, accommodate five additional passengers, lift nearly 3,000 kg of payload, attain a top speed of about 330 kmph and has an operational range of around 830 km. It can be armed with lightweight torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles, machine guns and airborne mine-clearing equipment.
The MH-60Rs have also been integrated with India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, where they have undergone trials under Indian Reference Atmosphere conditions. The Navy says the helicopters substantially enhance India’s blue-water operational reach and maritime domain awareness across the Indo-Pacific.
Building a complete ASW ecosystem
India has simultaneously been expanding the Seahawk’s weapons and sensor package.
In August 2024, Washington approved the sale of over 500 high-altitude anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys, valued at $52.8 million, for deployment from the MH-60R fleet.
Two months later, the US cleared the sale of 53 MK-54 lightweight torpedoes, along with associated equipment, training and logistics support, further strengthening the helicopter’s submarine-hunting capability.
Last year, India also signed a Rs 7,995-crore sustainment support programme for the Seahawk fleet covering spares, repair infrastructure, technical assistance, training, periodic maintenance and establishment of intermediate-level repair facilities within India.
The Ministry of Defence has said developing these maintenance capabilities domestically will reduce long-term dependence on overseas support while contributing to India’s self-reliance goals in defence.
Proven global platform
The MH-60R is the naval variant of the Black Hawk family, modified with folding rotor blades and a hinged tail for operation from warships. First inducted into US service in 2006 after years of development, the MH-60 series has produced nearly 940 helicopters.
Besides the United States, the platform is operated by countries including Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Greece, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand and Brazil, making it one of the most widely deployed maritime helicopters in service today.
Team BharatShakti
