2 submarine-hunting copters arrive from US

New Delhi, July 28

The first lot of two MH 60R multi-role helicopters, equipped with submarine-hunting capability, arrived at Cochin while a third copter is scheduled to be delivered in August.

All 24 MH 60Rs to arrive by 2025

• The all-weather helicopters come armed with Hellfire missiles and lethal rocket systems
• These are also fitted with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors to pick out submarines
• All 24 copters scheduled for delivery by 2025, will boost anti-sub warfare capability

Besides, three MH 60Rs delivered in the US in 2021 are being utilised for training Indian Navy crew.

India and the US, in February 2020, agreed for the sale of 24 such copters at a cost of nearly Rs 14,000 crore under the framework of foreign military sales.

The all-weather helicopters come armed with Hellfire missiles and lethal rocket systems. The helicopter, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is also fitted with state-of-the-art avionics and sensors to pick out submarines. China has a fleet of some 60 such under-sea vessels. The induction of the state-of-the-art copters will significantly boost the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Navy. All 24 helicopters are scheduled for delivery by 2025.