India seeks 24 Seahawk anti-sub copters from US

Washington, November 17 

India has sought from the US 24 multi-role MH-60 ‘Romeo’ anti-submarine helicopters for its Navy at an estimated cost of $2 bn, defence sources here said on Friday.

India has been in need of these formidable anti-submarine hunter helicopters for more than a decade now.

The deal is expected to be finalised in a few months, informed sources said, days after US Vice President Mike Pence held a successful meeting with PM Narendra Modi in Singapore on the sidelines of a regional summit. India has sent a letter of request to the US for an “urgent requirement” of 24 multi-role helicopters MH 60 Romeo Seahawk, sources said. 

In recent months, there has been acceleration in defence ties between the two countries, with the Trump administration opening up America’s high-tech military hardware for India’s defence needs.

Lockheed Martin’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter is considered the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter. It is the most capable naval helicopter available today designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers and would add to lethal capabilities of the Indian Navy which, experts say, is the need of the hour given the aggressive behavior of China in the Indian Ocean region.  — PTI