In what has been seen as a major move less than weeks before the end of his presidential term, outgoing President Joe Biden has approved a significant sale of defense equipment to India, formally notifying Congress on Monday.
The US has approved the sale of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter Equipment and related systems, estimated to cost $1.17 billion. This sale will improve the security of India’s maritime domain, the DSCA said, adding that it will also enhance India’s capability to deter regional threats, both in the near and far term.
The MH-60R is a multi-mission helicopter initially designed for the US Navy. The aircraft is considered one of the most advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopters in operation. They incorporate many advanced features that enable operational effectiveness, including the most modern digital sensors, such as multi-mode radar and electro-optical/infrared cameras, which are dedicated to providing comprehensive situational awareness.
Sensor data is processed via the fully integrated mission system to build a comprehensive picture of both the ocean surface and subsea domains to enable the crew to detect, classify, identify, and engage ships and submarines with precision. Besides, the helicopters are armed with numerous armaments, including torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles, and crew-served guns, which make them versatile assets in a range of naval missions.
The DSCA also stated that the proposed sale would be consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives, as it would continue to strengthen the strategic relationship between the United States and India. This relationship is considered a priority for ensuring political stability, peace, and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
This includes some very advanced features such as data transfer systems, external fuel tanks, AN/AAS 44C(V) FLIR, and various support equipment. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems is listed as the principal contractor on the sale.
To sustain this sale, it will require approximately 20 U.S. Government representatives or 25 Contractor representatives will travel to India for technical support/management oversight on a temporary basis.
Earlier this year, on March 6, the Indian Navy marked a modernization milestone with the commissioning of the MH-60R Seahawk, a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter, at INS Garuda in Kochi. Reports indicate that the MH-60Rs designated for the Indian Navy will feature specialized systems tailored to Indian specifications, including Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) transponder units developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). For these systems’ integration, too, Lockheed Martin is working in conjunction with Bharat Electronics Limited, or BEL.
Operational globally, 330 MH-60R helicopters are presently in service with the U.S. Navy, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The helicopters are multi-mission-oriented, designed to perform search and rescue, medical evacuation, command and control, and vertical replenishment operations.
