MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters

Context: The United States has approved a possible $1.17-billion deal to sell India support equipment for MH-60R multi-role helicopters under its Foreign Military Sales programme.

About MH-60 R – Sea Hawk Helicopter

• It is the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter manufactured by Lockheed Martin (USA).
• It is an all-weather helicopter designed with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors.

Features

• It is equipped with sensors such as a multi-mode radar, electronic support measures system, electro-optical or infrared camera, datalinks, aircraft survivability systems, dipping sonar and sonobuoys.
• It is designed for various missions such as;
  • Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
  • anti-surface warfare (ASuW)
  • search and rescue (SAR)
  • Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).
• Weapons: It is armed with torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles, rockets and crew-served guns including Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedoes.
• Advanced Communication and Navigation:
  • Integrated with Link 16 for secure data sharing with ships and aircraft.
  • GPS and inertial navigation systems enhance mission precision.

India’s Procurement

• India is acquiring 24 MH-60R helicopters under a foreign military sales agreement to replace its aging fleet of Sea King helicopters.
• The addition enhances the Indian Navy’s ASW and multi-role capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

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