India Bolsters Naval Capabilities with Commissioning of MH-60R Seahawks

financialexpress.com:

India’s defence modernization journey reached a pivotal milestone with the commissioning of the MH-60R multi-role helicopters at INS Garuda, Kochi. The commissioning ceremony took place in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, and this signifies a significant step forward in enhancing India’s maritime prowess.

The MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter was commissioned in the Seahawks Squadron in the Indian Navy as INAS 334. These helicopters, part of a 24-helicopter contract with the US, are poised to fortify India’s naval capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.  The flying machines manufactured by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of aerospace giant Lockheed Martin, are coming through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. As tensions escalate in the high seas and crises deepens in the Red Sea, the commissioning of these Seahawks underscores India’s commitment to maritime security and regional stability.

The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter serves as a maritime version of the Blackhawk helicopter. The variant recently commissioned has been tailored specifically for use by the Indian Navy, addressing the challenges it encounters both regionally and beyond.

“The MH-60R helicopter will boost India’s capabilities in blue-water operations, expanding the Navy’s operational range and facilitating sustained naval activities across various spectrums and extensive maritime areas. Deploying Seahawk helicopters in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) will bolster the Indian Navy’s presence at sea, deterring potential threats and ensuring a secure environment in this strategically vital region,” stated the Navy.

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