Indian Navy Gets 21st US-Made Anti-Submarine Helicopter, Strengthening Maritime Reach
The Indian Navy has taken delivery of another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States, further boosting its capabilities in anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance. This latest delivery brings the total number of helicopters received to 21 out of the 24 ordered under a 2020 deal.
The US Embassy announced that the helicopter was delivered in Kochi last week, with two more expected to arrive in India shortly. The induction underscores the growing defence partnership between India and the United States. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the development as 'excellent news' for bilateral ties, stating that the advanced helicopter would enhance maritime security and reinforce the shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The MH-60R, manufactured by Lockheed Martin under the US Foreign Military Sales programme, is among the world's most advanced shipborne helicopters. It is designed primarily for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, equipped with a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, a multi-mode radar, electro-optical sensors, and Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes. It can also carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and machine guns to engage surface threats. Beyond combat roles, the helicopter supports search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance, and logistics missions, significantly expanding the operational reach of Indian Navy warships.
The Indian Navy commissioned its first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334 'Seahawks', at INS Garuda in Kochi in March 2024. A second squadron, INAS 335 'Ospreys', was raised at INS Hansa in Goa in December 2025, allowing deployment on both the eastern and western seaboards aboard aircraft carriers, destroyers, and Project 17A stealth frigates.
India signed a deal in 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R helicopters to replace the ageing Sea King fleet. In December 2025, New Delhi also signed a sustainment package for the helicopter fleet. Known as the 'Romeo', the MH-60 Seahawk is used by the US Navy and partner nations worldwide for surveillance, search-and-rescue, medical evacuation, and warship-based missions.
