MH-60R Multi Role Helicopters

Learn about MH-60R helicopters, advanced multi-role maritime aircraft equipped for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and naval operations, enhancing fleet capabilities worldwide.

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.