Kochi: The Indian Navy will commission the newly inducted MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter on March 6, 2024 at INS Garuda, here as part of its modernisation plans.
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 Sea hawk squadron will be commissioned in the Indian Navy as INAS 334. The helicopters are a part of the 24-aircraft Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract signed with the United States government in February 2020.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the helicopter has been “rigorously” tested in Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions and is fully integrated into the Fleet. It stated that 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.
“The MH60R 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,” the Ministry stated. It added that the Seahawk’s deployment in the Indian Ocean Region would strengthen Navy’s maritime presence, dissuading potential threats and ensuring a secure and safe environment in this strategically crucial region.
-global bihari bureau
