India US MH-60R deal: India signs ₹7,900 crore agreement with the United States for long-term support and sustainment of its MH-60R Navy helicopters, strengthening maritime security and Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence initiatives.
India Signs ₹7,900-Cr Deal with U.S. for MH-60R Navy Helicopter Support
What’s the Deal?
In a major step for maritime security, Ministry of Defence, Government of India has signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States Government under the Foreign Military Sales programme to secure long-term sustainment support for the fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters operated by the Indian Navy.
The agreement — valued at approximately ₹7,900 crore — provides for a comprehensive “support and sustainment package” over a five-year period. This includes provisioning of spare parts, support equipment, product support, technical assistance and training, repair and replenishment of components, and the establishment of intermediate-level component-repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities in India.
Objectives & Scope of Support
The objective of this deal is to ensure that the MH-60R fleet remains operationally ready, maintainable, and capable of performing its missions efficiently. The support package allows the Navy to operate these helicopters from dispersed locations — including ships — and ensures optimal performance during all primary and secondary missions.
Additionally, establishing maintenance and repair infrastructure within India is a step toward reducing reliance on foreign support and aligning with the government’s broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by enabling domestic firms, including MSMEs, to participate in defence sustainment and logistics support.
What is MH-60R Seahawk & Why It Matters
The MH-60R Seahawk is an advanced multi-role helicopter designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search-and-rescue (SAR), and other maritime operations. It is equipped with sophisticated sensors such as multi-mode radar, electro-optical/infrared cameras, electronic support, dipping sonar and sonobuoys.
Since India placed an order for 24 MH-60Rs in February 2020, deliveries have been ongoing, and the first squadron under the designation INAS 334 was commissioned in March 2024 at INS Garuda (Kochi).
With this sustainment agreement, the Indian Navy aims to maintain the fleet’s long-term readiness, thereby strengthening maritime security along India’s vast coastline and in the Indian Ocean region.
Why This News Is Important
Strengthening India’s Maritime Security Posture
The deal significantly enhances India’s ability to maintain, deploy and sustain the MH-60R helicopter fleet — a critical asset for anti-submarine, anti-surface and rescue operations. This move ensures that India’s naval capabilities remain robust, responsive and ready to operate even in challenging maritime scenarios.
Given India’s strategic location and the growing competition in the Indian Ocean region, maintaining a ready and well-supported helicopter fleet boosts deterrence and enhances India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests.
Strategic Push for Self-Reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)
By establishing component-repair and maintenance infrastructure within the country and involving Indian firms and MSMEs, the deal supports the long-term objective of defence self-reliance. Reduced dependency on foreign support for sustainment helps make India more resilient in defence supply chains.
Additionally, upgrading domestic maintenance capabilities helps build a stronger defence-industrial base in India, fostering skill development, job creation, and growth of indigenous defence logistics capabilities.
Relevance for Exam Aspirants (Defence / Civil Services / Current Affairs)
For aspirants preparing for government exams — whether for defence services, civil services, or other competitive posts — this news is a textbook example of contemporary defence cooperation, strategic maritime security policy, bilateral relations (India–US), and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Such developments frequently appear in exam questions (Current Affairs, Security, International Relations), making this a valuable fact to remember.
Historical Context
- India initially opted for a variant of the Seahawk helicopters for the Navy in 2014, but procurement was delayed due to pricing issues.
- In August 2018, the procurement plan was revived with approval to acquire 24 MH-60R helicopters.
- The contract for these 24 helicopters was signed in February 2020.
- Deliveries commenced in 2021; the first two MH-60Rs were handed over to the Indian Navy in July 2021.
- By March 2024, the first squadron (INAS 334) was commissioned at INS Garuda, Kochi.
- The latest sustainment agreement in November 2025 ensures long-term support for these helicopters — a critical step because maintenance and sustainment are as important as procurement for keeping advanced defence platforms operational.
Key Takeaways from This News
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Indian Defence Ministry signed a ₹7,900 crore LOA with the US for sustainment support of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. |
| 2 | The support package includes spare parts, technical support, training, repair and maintenance activities, and setting up component-repair facilities in India. |
| 3 | The deal covers support for the entire MH-60R fleet over five years, ensuring long-term operational readiness of the helicopters. |
| 4 | Establishing maintenance infrastructure within India aligns with the government’s self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) goals and reduces dependence on foreign support. |
| 5 | The MH-60R Seahawk is vital for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, search and rescue, and fleet protection — making this sustainment deal significant for India’s maritime security posture. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the recent defence agreement signed between India and the US regarding MH-60R helicopters?
India signed a ₹7,900-crore deal with the United States under the Foreign Military Sales programme to provide long-term support and sustainment for its fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
2. What does the MH‑60R sustainment support package include?
The package includes spare parts, technical assistance, training, repair and maintenance, replenishment of components, and setting up intermediate-level maintenance and repair facilities in India.
3. How long is the sustainment support agreement valid for the MH-60R helicopters?
The agreement provides support for a five-year period, ensuring long-term operational readiness of the helicopters.
4. Why is this deal important for India’s maritime security?
The MH-60R fleet is crucial for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, search and rescue missions, and fleet protection. Ensuring their readiness strengthens India’s maritime defence posture.
5. How does this deal support India’s self-reliance initiative (Aatmanirbhar Bharat)?
By establishing maintenance infrastructure within India and involving domestic firms, the deal reduces dependency on foreign support and develops local defence logistics capabilities.
6. When was the first MH‑60R squadron commissioned in India?
The first squadron, INAS 334, was commissioned in March 2024 at INS Garuda, Kochi.
7. How many MH‑60R helicopters has India ordered from the US?
India placed an order for 24 MH-60R helicopters in February 2020.
8. What are the main roles of MH‑60R Seahawk helicopters?
The MH‑60R performs anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search-and-rescue (SAR), and maritime surveillance missions.
9. How does the deal impact India–US defence relations?
The deal strengthens strategic defence cooperation between India and the US, enhancing interoperability and supporting India’s naval capabilities.
10. What infrastructure will be set up in India under this agreement?
Intermediate-level component-repair facilities and periodic maintenance inspection setups will be established in India to ensure local repair, training, and logistics support.
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