MH 60R Seahawk Multi Role Helicopter: The MH60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter (Marine version of the Blackhawk helicopter) will be inducted into the Indian Navy on March 6. A statement from the Defense Ministry said that it will be commissioned by forming a new squadron separately at INS Garuda, the naval base in Kochi.
The Navy said that the induction of this helicopter into its fleet will be an important moment in the country’s defense modernization journey. It has been designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue operations, medical evacuation and supply of supplies to ships at sea.
What did the Navy say?
A Navy official said the Seahawk helicopters will be commissioned into a new squadron named INAS (Indian Naval Air Squadron) 334 and with its induction, the Navy will witness a significant increase in its maritime strength.
The helicopter has been rigorously tested in Indian conditions and is fully integrated into the fleet. Their advanced weapons, sensors and avionics suite make the Seahawks ideal for the maritime security requirements of the Indian Navy, providing advanced capabilities against both conventional and asymmetric threats.
Milestone in India’s defense modernization journey as the @indiannavy commissions the MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters on 06 Mar 24, at INS Garuda, Kochi. #IndianNavy#MH60RSeahawk #DefenseModernization
More: https://t.co/E8YkyPuTeI@rajnathsingh@giridhararamane pic.twitter.com/qdsAQbYPti
— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) March 3, 2024
What will be the impact of the deployment of MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter?
It will enhance the country’s maritime capabilities, expand the Navy’s operational reach and support sustained naval operations across the spectrum and vast maritime domain. The deployment of Seahawks in the IOR will strengthen the maritime presence of the Indian Navy, address potential threats and ensure a secure environment in this strategically important region.
The deployment of Seahawk underlines the Indian Navy’s steadfast dedication to strengthening maritime security, which aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s goal of ensuring security and development for all in the region.
What is special?
The US-made MH-60R Seahawk is a maritime version of the Blackhawk helicopter. The helicopter is designed for missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue and medical evacuation, among others.
The Navy said the advanced weapons, sensors and avionics systems make the Seahawk ideal for the maritime security requirements of the Indian Navy. The Seahawk squadron will be inducted into the Indian Navy as INAS 334.
India had signed an agreement with the US for the purchase of 24-MH 60R in February 2020 under the framework of Foreign Military Sales.
“The deployment of Seahawks in the Indian Ocean region will strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime presence, address potential threats and ensure a secure environment in the strategically important region,” the Navy said.
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