The Indian Navy is continuously increasing its strength to control the activities of China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean region. In this series, another modern MH-60R ‘Romeo’ Seahawk helicopter made by American defense company Lockheed Martin reached Kochi last week. Two more helicopters are coming to India this week. After the induction of these three new helicopters, the number of such lethal helicopters with the Indian Navy will increase to 21.
How many helicopters were dealt with and how many were received?
In the year 2020, India had signed a big agreement of $ 2.6 billion (about Rs 21,000 crore) with the US government, which was a deal to buy 24 MH-60R helicopters. Including the two helicopters arriving this week, India has received a total of 21 helicopters. Of these, 15 are directly deployed on Indian warships, 3 helicopters are kept in America for training of Indian pilots and the rest are being inducted in India.
The delivery of all the remaining 3 helicopters will be completed by the end of this year. Apart from this, recently in December 2025, India has also signed a sustainment package of about Rs 7,995 crore for their maintenance.
Why is the MH-60R ‘Romeo’ Seahawk special?
’Romeo’ Seahawk is considered to be the world’s most dangerous and modern multi-role naval helicopter. It is replacing the aging Sea King helicopters of the Indian Navy. Its features are-
- The biggest enemy of submarines: This helicopter specializes in finding and destroying enemy submarines hidden in the depths of the sea. For this, it is equipped with special ‘dipping sonar’ (sensors floating in the sea) and sonobio, which immediately detect the movement inside the water.
- Armed with deadly weapons: To attack the enemy, this helicopter is equipped with Hellfire missiles, Mk-54 light torpedoes and precision rockets. It can target enemy ships and submarines from a distance.
- Operation in all weather and even at night: It is equipped with very modern APS-153(V) multi-mode radar and night vision/electro-optical sensors. With its help, it can conduct espionage and precise attack in the sea even in dense fog, heavy rain or dense darkness.
- Ability to take off from warships: This helicopter can easily take off and land from the small decks of destroyers and frigates as well as aircraft carriers (such as INS Vikrant) of the Indian Navy.
- Rescue and Search Operation: Apart from attacking, it is also very effective in rescuing people stranded at sea, helping in search and rescue, medical emergencies and delivering logistics to warships.
Why is this helicopter important for India?
The infiltration of Chinese submarines and warships is continuously increasing in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region. In such a situation, ‘Romeo’ helicopters will become the eyes and ears of the Indian Navy and protect the sea. According to former Navy chiefs, these helicopters had recently proved their unmatched strength during ‘Operation Vermillion’.
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