Chinese submarines will be easily detected, dependence on America will be less, Indian Navy strengthened with MH-60R helicopter.

The Defense Ministry has approved a major support deal for the Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopter fleet. The ministry has signed Letters of Offer & Acceptance (LOA) with the US for follow-on support and follow-on supply support worth approximately Rs 7,995 crore. This helicopter included in the naval fleet is considered to be the world’s most suitable and powerful for the maritime area. This helicopter is also adept in detecting the presence of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean.

It is being told that this agreement was made under the Foreign Military Sales Program of the US Government. It was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. This support package includes availability of spare parts, technical support, training, repair of equipment, replenishment of components and development of intermediate level repair and periodic maintenance facilities in India. The objective of this agreement is to make the operational capability of MH-60R helicopters supplied to the Indian Navy more sustainable and effective. America will provide this assistance to India for five years.

There will be less dependence on America

It is believed that development of these facilities in the country will increase India’s capacity and reduce its dependence on America, which strengthens the goal of self-reliant India. This will also provide new opportunities to Indian MSMEs and domestic companies. This deal will greatly improve the operational availability and maintenance of the Navy’s modern, all-weather and anti-submarine warfare capable MH-60R helicopters. Now these helicopters can be operated more effectively from ships and different coastal bases.

What is the specialty of helicopter?

This helicopter is considered to be the world’s most suitable and powerful for maritime areas. Its range is 834 kilometers and its weight is 689 kg. This helicopter is also adept in detecting the presence of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean. These helicopters are being inducted into the Indian Navy at a time when there have been reports of infiltration of Chinese submarines and warships into the Indian Ocean. The MH-60R multi-role helicopter is equipped with multiple radars, night vision equipment, Hellfire missiles, torpedoes and rockets which are capable of completely destroying enemy submarines.