India is going to receive two MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters and the 10th P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance helicopter from the US Navy, which will strengthen the cooperation between the two countries and the mutual partnership between their navies. The Pentagon, the headquarters of the US Department of Defense, gave information.
The Indian Navy is procuring 24 multi-role-capable MH-60R helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin, worth about $2.4 billion, under foreign military sales with the US. A ceremony was held on Friday at Naval Air Station North Island or NAS North Island, San Diego, for the formal transfer of the helicopters from the US Navy to the Indian Navy.
“The Ministry (Ministry of Defense) would like to congratulate our partners in the Indian Navy who delivered the first two of the 24 MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters from the US Navy last week and India,” Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said at a news conference on Monday. Received our 10th Boeing, P-8 Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Helicopter in Goa.
He said, “India is the first country that will operate from the P-8 for surveillance missions in the Indo-Pacific outside the US. These capabilities will significantly enhance maritime security and strengthen cooperation and mutual relations between our two navies.
The MH-60R helicopter is an all-weather maritime helicopter designed with state-of-the-art avionics to support multiple missions. Helicopters will also be equipped with many specialized equipment and weapons. The first batch of Indian crew is currently undergoing training in the US.
William Blair, Vice President and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India, said in a statement, “The MH-60R is the most operationally advanced maritime multi-mission helicopter, it is serving globally and its performance is below none. Has not been. We appreciate the faith shown by the Indian Navy in Team Seahawks through the selection of Romeo.”