Last Updated: March 03, 2024, 22:06 IST
A maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter, MH 60R Seahawk is armed with Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes and precision-kill rockets. (Image/News18)
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 Navy stated
The Indian Navy is set to commission its first squadron of the newly inducted submarine-hunting MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter at INS Garuda in Kochi on March 6. A maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter, MH 60R Seahawk is armed with Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes and precision-kill rockets.
“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,” read a statement from the Indian Navy.
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 Navy stated.
The helicopters, equipped with strong encrypted communication links, will operate from frontline ships and aircraft carriers providing flexibility of operation, enhanced surveillance and attack capability to the Indian Navy.
The Indian government signed a deal with the USA in February 2020, to acquire 24 fourth-generation MH 60R helicopters, of which, six units (a whole squadron) are getting commissioned in Kochi on March 6.
The MH 60R is also capable of firing torpedoes, missiles and advanced precision kill weapon system rockets.
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.
MH 60R helicopter’s deployment in the Indian Ocean Region would strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime presence, dissuading potential threats and ensuring a secure and safe environment in this strategically crucial region, the Navy further said.
This is the only helicopter in the Indian Navy with self-defence capability from incoming gunfire or missiles.
