The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter, adding to its growing fleet of advanced multi-role aircraft acquired from the United States. The latest delivery took place in Kochi last week, while two more helicopters are expected to arrive this week, further expanding India’s maritime capabilities.
Announcing the development, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the delivery as “excellent news” for bilateral defence ties.
Sharing the update on X, Gor wrote, “Excellent news for our growing U.S.-India defense partnership! Great to see this advanced capability strengthening maritime security and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
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The US Embassy in India also confirmed the delivery, saying: “Another MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter touched down on Indian shores! Developed by @LockheedMartin, this highly equipped helicopter was delivered to the @IndianNavy at Kochi last week, with two more arriving this week. Thrilled to see the U.S.-India defense partnership growing stronger.”
Excellent news for our growing U.S.-India defense partnership! 🇺🇸🤝🇮🇳 Great to see this advanced capability strengthening maritime security and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. https://t.co/SagsRfVk87
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) July 17, 2026
What is the MH-60R Seahawk?
The MH-60R Seahawk, often called the “Romeo”, is a multi-role maritime helicopter built by Lockheed Martin for naval operations. It is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue, medical evacuation and operations from aircraft carriers, destroyers and frigates.
The helicopter is equipped with advanced mission systems such as dipping sonar, sonobuoys, multi-mode radar and Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes to detect and engage submarines. For anti-surface missions, it can carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, lightweight torpedoes and machine guns, supported by sophisticated radar and electro-optical targeting systems.
Why it matters for India
India signed a deal with the United States in 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to modernise the Indian Navy’s helicopter fleet. The first helicopters were formally inducted in March 2024 at INS Garuda in Kochi.
The platform has already been used in operational deployments. Following the commissioning of the second squadron in December 2025, then Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said the MH-60R had been deployed during Operation Sindoor and had “did what they were supposed to do.”
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Calling it a proven platform, he added, “MH-60R is a very potent platform, well-proven. We are very happy that we signed the contract for the induction of 24 MH-60R.”
The government had also said, “The MH-60R helicopter has already proven its prowess across multiple missions during Operation Sindoor,” highlighting its growing role in strengthening India’s maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region.
FAQs:
What is the MH-60R Seahawk?
The MH-60R Seahawk is a US-made multi-role naval helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, rescue and combat missions.
Why is the MH-60R Seahawk important for India?
It strengthens the Indian Navy’s ability to detect submarines, protect warships and enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
