Indian Navy Receives More MH-60R Seahawks as India-US Defence Partnership Gains Momentum

New Delhi, July 2026 : India and the United States have taken another significant step in strengthening their strategic defence partnership with the arrival of a fresh batch of MH-60R Romeo Seahawk multi-role naval helicopters for the Indian Navy. The deliveries underscore the growing maritime cooperation between the two countries and reinforce India’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Welcoming the latest deliveries, the US Embassy in India said on social media platform X that another MH-60R Seahawk had landed in Kochi, while two more helicopters were arriving during the week.

“Another MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter touched down on Indian shores… Thrilled to see the US-India defence partnership growing stronger,” the embassy posted.

With the arrival of the latest batch, the Indian Navy’s Seahawk fleet will increase to 21 helicopters. The aircraft are expected to be formally inducted into service after completion of documentation, technical inspections and validation procedures. India had signed a $2.6-billion contract with Lockheed Martin in 2020 for the procurement of 24 MH-60R helicopters, with deliveries commencing in 2021. Only three helicopters now remain to be delivered under the agreement.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor also hailed the development, describing it as another milestone in bilateral defence ties.

“Excellent news for the growing US-India defence partnership. Great to see this advanced capability strengthening maritime security and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.

The MH-60R Seahawks are replacing the Indian Navy’s ageing fleet of British-origin Sea King helicopters and are expected to significantly boost India’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime surveillance capabilities. Fifteen Seahawks are already operational aboard frontline Indian warships, while three aircraft continue to be used in the United States for pilot training. The latest deliveries will substantially expand the Navy’s operational availability.

Recognised as one of the world’s most advanced naval helicopters, the MH-60R is capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime reconnaissance, search-and-rescue missions and special operations. The helicopter features a sophisticated glass cockpit, advanced multi-mode radar with automatic periscope detection capability, electronic warfare systems, missile warning sensors, infrared countermeasures, laser rangefinders and decoy dispensers.

The aircraft can accommodate a crew of three to four personnel, carry five additional passengers, transport nearly 3,000 kilograms of payload, reach speeds of around 330 kmph, and operate over a range of approximately 830 kilometres. It can also be armed with lightweight torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles, machine guns and mine-clearing equipment, making it a formidable force multiplier at sea.

The Seahawks have already completed operational trials aboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, demonstrating their compatibility with the country’s expanding naval fleet. Defence officials believe the helicopters will significantly enhance India’s blue-water operational capability and maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific.

India has also been steadily strengthening the helicopter’s weapons ecosystem. In August 2024, the United States approved the sale of more than 500 anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys worth $52.8 million for deployment from the MH-60R fleet. This was followed by approval for the sale of 53 MK-54 lightweight torpedoes, along with associated equipment, training and logistics support.

To ensure long-term operational readiness, India last year signed a Rs 7,995-crore sustainment programme covering spare parts, maintenance, repair infrastructure, technical assistance, crew training and the establishment of intermediate-level repair facilities within the country. The Ministry of Defence has said the initiative will reduce dependence on overseas support while advancing India’s defence self-reliance objectives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Operated by several major naval powers, including the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel and Spain, the MH-60R Seahawk remains one of the most trusted and capable maritime helicopters in service worldwide. Its induction further strengthens the Indian Navy’s ability to safeguard national maritime interests and respond effectively to emerging regional security challenges.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)