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Context

Mh 60r ‘Seahawks’ to be Commissioned into the Indian Navy as the INAS 334 Squadron

Details

• The Indian Navy will commission the newly inducted MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter on 06 Mar 2024 at INS Garuda, Kochi marking a pivotal moment in India’s Defence modernisation journey.
• The Seahawks squadron will be commissioned in the Indian Navy as INAS 334. The helicopters are a part of the 24-aircraft FMS contract signed with the US government in Feb 2020.

MH 60R Seahawk

• The helicopter is designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).
• The helicopter has been rigorously tested in Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions and is fully integrated into the Fleet.
• The advanced weapons, sensors and avionics suite make the Seahawks ideal for the Indian Navy’s maritime security needs, offering enhanced capabilities for both conventional as well as asymmetric threats.

Specifications

• Primary Function: Anti-Submarine Warfare, Surface Warfare Helicopter
• Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Systems
• Date Deployed: 2006 in USA
• Propulsion: 2x GE T700-GE-401C or -401D
• Length: 64 feet, 10 inches
• Height: 17 feet
• Weight: 15,170 pounds (empty), 23,500 pounds (max gross)
• Crew: Three

• It may be noted that the Navy received the sixth MH-60R “Romeo” (Seahawk) helicopter from Lockheed Martin in December 2023, as India Sentinels had reported then. The US-based defence behemoth also said it expects to complete the delivery of all the MH-60R choppers that India ordered by 2025.

Conclusion

The MH 60R helicopter would enhance India’s blue-water capabilities, extending the operational reach of the Navy and supporting sustained naval operations across spectrums and over vast maritime domains. The Seahawk’s deployment in the IOR would strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime presence, dissuading potential threats and ensuring a secure and safe environment in this strategically crucial region. The commissioning of the Seahawks underscores Indian Navy’s steadfast dedication to fortifying maritime security, aligning seamlessly with the Government of India’s visionary goal of ensuring Security And Growth for All in the Region.

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