In a significant boost to the India-US defence partnership, the Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the delivery as “excellent news” for bilateral defence ties, stating that the advanced platform will further strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The helicopter was delivered to the Indian Navy in Kochi last week, with two more MH-60R Seahawks expected to arrive this week, according to the US Embassy in India.
Sharing the development on X, Ambassador Gor said, “Excellent news for our growing U.S.-India defense partnership! Great to see this advanced capability strengthening maritime security and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The US Embassy also confirmed the delivery, stating that the Lockheed Martin-developed helicopter has joined the Indian Navy’s growing fleet and that additional deliveries are scheduled in the coming days.
India-US Defence Cooperation
India signed a government-to-government agreement with the United States in 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. The acquisition is aimed at modernising the Indian Navy’s ageing helicopter fleet and significantly enhancing its anti-submarine and maritime warfare capabilities.
The first batch of helicopters was formally inducted into service in March 2024 at INS Garuda in Kochi.
To ensure long-term operational readiness, India also signed a sustainment package for the MH-60R fleet in December 2025. Approved by the Ministry of Defence, the contract, valued at approximately ₹7,995 crore (around USD 946 million), covers maintenance, logistics support and improved fleet availability.
The agreement is expected to enhance operational preparedness, strengthen interoperability with the US Navy and further bolster maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region.
Role During Operation Sindoor
The MH-60R Seahawk has already demonstrated its operational value. Following the commissioning of the Navy’s second MH-60R squadron in December 2025, then Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi confirmed that the helicopters had been deployed during Operation Sindoor, where they successfully carried out their assigned missions.
Advanced Multi-Role Capability
Often referred to as the “Romeo”, the MH-60R Seahawk is among the world’s most advanced multi-role naval helicopters. It is designed to operate from aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates, enabling the Indian Navy to undertake a wide range of missions.
The helicopter is capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue operations, medical evacuation, and surveillance of strategic sea lanes.
It is equipped with cutting-edge mission systems, including dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar, electro-optical targeting systems and Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine operations. For anti-surface missions, it can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, torpedoes and machine guns.
With additional helicopters joining the fleet, the Indian Navy’s ability to monitor the Indian Ocean Region, detect underwater threats, protect carrier strike groups and respond swiftly to maritime contingencies is expected to receive a further boost. The latest delivery also reflects the growing strategic defence cooperation between India and the United States, particularly in strengthening security across the Indo-Pacific.
