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The timing of this agreement is particularly significant as it came just ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India on December 4–5.
The MH-60R Seahawk, often called the “Romeo” is a state-of-the-art naval helicopter used by the US Navy and allies. (File)
In a significant development, India has signed a $946 million sustainment deal with the United States for its fleet of 24 MH-60R “Seahawk” naval helicopters.
The package — centered on naval aviation maintenance, spare parts, training, and technical support — is intended to boost the Indian Navy’s maritime reach, improve interoperability with US forces and regional partners, and further cement bilateral defence ties.
“Great news in our defense relationship with India. India’s Ministry of Defense signed a sustainment package for its 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin. This $946 million dollar package will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, build interoperability with the U.S. and regional partners, and makes both our nations safer and more prosperous,” the US’ State Department said in a post on X.
Great news in our defense relationship with India. India’s Ministry of Defense signed a sustainment package for its 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin. This $946 million dollar package will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, build…— State_SCA (@State_SCA) December 3, 2025
The timing of this agreement is particularly significant as it came just ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India on December 4–5, for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.
Putin’s visit is being closely watched by global observers, who expect the summit to revive or renegotiate big-ticket defence deals — including further S-400 missile systems or even Su-57 fighter jets.
What’s In The Deal?
Under the agreement — formalised through Letters of Offer & Acceptance under the US Foreign Military Sales framework — India will receive comprehensive sustainment support for its MH-60R fleet over the next five years.
The defence ministry said it signed LOAs with the US for sustainment support of the MH60R helicopter fleet through follow-on support and supply for five years at an approximate value of Rs 7,995 crore.
The sustainment support is a comprehensive package which includes provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training and technical support, repair and replenishment of components, according to the defence ministry. It also provides for setting up of intermediate level component repairs and periodic maintenance inspection facilities in India for the choppers.
The sustainment deal ensures that helicopters can be serviced and launched both from land bases and warships, enabling versatile deployment depending on mission needs — whether it’s ASW patrols, surveillance, humanitarian missions or carrier-based operations.
India had signed an agreement with the US for procurement of 24-MH 60Rs in February 2020. The first three MH-60R helicopters were delivered to India in 2021. The Navy’s first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi, marking the operational induction of the platform.
All About MH-60R Seahawk Chopper
The MH-60R Seahawk is a state-of-the-art, all-weather, multi-role maritime helicopter designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface missions (ASuW), search-and-rescue (SAR), maritime surveillance, ship-borne operations, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. Its versatility makes it a crucial platform for modern naval fleets.
The MH-60R is one of the world’s best submarine-hunting helicopters, equipped with advanced sensors like the AN/AQS-22 ALFS dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and multi-mode radar. It also carries the powerful Mk-54 torpedo, allowing it to detect, track, and engage underwater threats.
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 03, 2025, 8:32 PM IST
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