The Indian Navy will be commissioning the newly inducted MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter at INS Garuda in Kochi this week, bolstering the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities.
The Seahawks squadron will be commissioned in the Indian Navy as INAS 334 on March 6, 2024.
“The MH 60R 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,” read a statement from the Indian Navy.
Earlier on Feb 2020, the Indian Government signed a deal with the United States, to acquire 24 fourth-generation MH 60R helicopters.
Out of these, six of them have been delivered to the Indian Navy so far.
The helicopter is designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP), said the Navy.
Further, it has been been rigorously tested in Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions and is fully integrated into the Fleet, the Navy said.
To be noted that the MH 60R is also capable of firing torpedoes, missiles and advanced precision kill weapon system rockets.
The Seahawk’s deployment in the Indian Ocean Region would strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime presence, dissuading potential threats and ensuring a secure and safe environment in this strategically crucial region, the Navy added.
Also, worth mentioning that this is the only chopper in the Indian Navy with a self-defence capability from incoming gunfire or missiles.
