One more US anti-submarine helicopter delivered to the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multirole naval helicopter from the United States. | Photo credit: Reuters

The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multirole naval helicopter from the United States, further enhancing its anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities.

This brings the total delivered to 21 of the 24 ordered.

The US Embassy said on Friday that the latest helicopter was delivered in Kochi last week, while two more helicopters are expected to arrive in India this week.

Announcing the supply at X, the US Embassy said the launch reflected the growing India-US defense partnership. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the development as “excellent news” for bilateral relations, saying the advanced helicopter would enhance maritime security and reinforce the two countries’ shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Designed for anti-submarine warfare

Produced by Lockheed Martin under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the MH-60R is among the most advanced naval helicopters in the world. Designed primarily for anti-submarine and anti-surface combat, it is equipped with a submersible sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar, electro-optical sensors and Mk-54 light torpedoes. It can also carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and machine guns to deal with surface threats.

In addition to combat missions, the helicopter is capable of search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance and logistical support, significantly extending the operational reach of the Indian Navy’s front-line warships.

The Navy commissioned its first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334 ‘Seahawks’, at INS Garuda, Kochi, in March 2024. The second squadron, INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’, was built at INS Hansa, Goa, in December 2025, enabling deployment aboard Eastern aircraft carriers and helicopters, and Project 17A destroyers and stealth frigates.

In 2020, India signed an agreement to acquire 24 MH-60R helicopters from the US to replace the aging Sea King fleet.

In December 2025, New Delhi signed a support package for a fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

The MH-60 Seahawk, often called the “Romeo,” is used by the U.S. Navy and partner nations around the world as a versatile platform for surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and warship-based missions.

Published – 17 Jul 2026 22:10 IST