US Approves Sale of Additional Equipment to Enhance Indian Navy’s MH-60R Helicopter Capabilities

The U.S. State Department has given the green light for the sale of additional equipment to India, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R multi-mission helicopters that were procured from the United States. This development follows the Defence Acquisition Council’s (DAC) decision in August to grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the acquisition of more weapons and equipment to fortify the operational strength of these helicopters.

The procurement of the MH-60R helicopters can be traced back to February 25, 2020, when the United States and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a visit by President Donald Trump to New Delhi. Under this agreement, India is set to purchase 24 Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopters at a total cost of approximately $2.12 billion. These helicopters are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The first production model of the MH-60R took to the skies in May 2021 in New York, and the U.S. Navy delivered the initial two helicopters to the Indian Navy at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego in July 2021. In a landmark event in May 2023, an Indian Navy MH-60 helicopter successfully landed on the indigenously designed destroyer INS Kolkata, marking an important milestone in its operational deployment. According to contractual obligations, the first six helicopters were due for delivery by December 2023, with the first of these being commissioned into the Indian Navy as part of the INAS 334 squadron in March at INS Garuda, Kochi. Currently, these helicopters are operating from various Indian naval warships, including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, and have already been involved in several fleet exercises and operations.

The ongoing deliveries are set to culminate with the completion of the 18 remaining helicopters by 2027. Initially, the six helicopters provided to India conform to the standard configuration used by the U.S. Navy, serving primarily for the training of Indian Navy pilots and maintenance personnel. These helicopters come equipped with advanced features, including the APS-153(V) Multi-Mode radar and night-vision capabilities, and are armed with Hellfire missiles and MK-54 torpedoes pertinent to anti-submarine warfare.

The future configuration of the MH-60Rs acquired by the Indian Navy will incorporate enhanced anti-surface vessel warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, additional features that are already integrated by the U.S. Navy but not actively employed. The Indian Navy’s versions will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems such as the AN/AAS-44C(V) multi-spectral targeting systems, night-vision goggles, a range of sonobuoys, and advanced weapons like Raytheon MK 54 torpedoes.

The additional capabilities and equipment to be acquired by the Indian Navy are estimated to amount to a staggering $1.17 billion. This package encompasses various items, including:

– AN/AAS 44C(V) forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems.
– 30 multifunctional information distribution system-joint tactical radio systems (MIDS-JTRS).
– Non-major defense equipment such as advanced data transfer systems, external fuel tanks, support and test equipment, munitions, communication equipment, and a plethora of training resources.

Twenty U.S. Government representatives or up to twenty-five contractor personnel will be deployed temporarily to provide India with necessary technical support and management oversight linked to this comprehensive support package.

The MIDS-JTRS offers secure, high-capacity communications that enable real-time voice and data exchanges between military platforms. This system is pivotal for combat scenarios, establishing robust and secure connections that support situational awareness and operational coordination among various military assets. By utilizing MIDS-JTRS, the MH-60R helicopters can share critical information with surface ships and command centers, thus enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.

In anti-submarine warfare missions, for instance, the MH-60R can deploy sonobuoys and utilize data-sharing capabilities through MIDS-JTRS to coordinate actions with other military forces. The compatibility of the MH-60R with P-8I aircraft enhances the navy’s surveillance abilities, allowing for a consolidated approach in tracking and engaging threats in maritime operations.

With the ongoing acquisition and integration of these advanced assets, the total expenditure for the Indian Navy’s acquisition of the 24 MH-60R helicopters has now surpassed $3.8 billion. This investment is a testament to India’s commitment to developing a formidable anti-submarine warfare capability, complemented by the long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the P-8I aircraft.