India Finalizes ₹7,995-Crore Agreement with US for MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters' Sustainment
In a significant development for the Indian Navy's maritime aviation capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized a ₹7,995-crore agreement with the United States Government. The contract secures a five-year sustainment support package for the Navy's MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
This agreement, achieved through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme via Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs), was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, representing a pivotal advancement in Indo-US defence collaboration.
The extensive sustainment package ensures the Indian Navy will have a regular supply of spares, support equipment, product support services, and advanced technical assistance. It also covers training for Indian personnel, repair and replacement of critical components, and the establishment of intermediate-level maintenance and inspection facilities in India.
A key aspect of the agreement is its focus on developing indigenous sustainment capabilities. By facilitating in-country repairs and maintenance, the MoD aims to lessen reliance on US-based support systems, aligning with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. This effort is anticipated to increase involvement from Indian companies and MSMEs in defense services and product development.
Introduced in March 2024 at INS Garuda, Kochi, the MH-60R Seahawk is a state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare helicopter that will see improved operational availability through this support package. These helicopters, a part of the forming INAS 334 squadron, are designed for multi-mission, all-weather operations and play a crucial role in India's maritime security strategy. Under a 2020 FMS agreement, India has contracted 24 MH-60R helicopters.
The MoD has noted that the new sustainment program will enable efficient maintenance of the fleet across Indian naval bases and deployed ships. This will enhance the Navy's capacity to conduct anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue, and other essential maritime operations by improving reliability and reducing turnaround times.
The ministry emphasized on social media that the agreement will strengthen advanced training frameworks, facilitate in-country repairs, and boost long-term self-sufficiency, thereby supporting India's broader naval modernization and maritime defense strategy.
