In a major boost to its defence powers, India has signed a deal with the United States for 24 MH-60R “Seahawk" naval helicopters. The &nbsp;$946 million deal is being seen as a boost to bilateral defence ties and regional security. The State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) called the agreement between both the countries as "great news".&nbsp;“Great news in our defense relationship with India. India’s Ministry of Defense signed a sustainment package for its 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin. This $946 million dollar package will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, build interoperability with the U.S. and regional partners, and makes both our nations safer and more prosperous," &nbsp;wrote the US’ State Department on X after sealing the deal.&nbsp;The multi-role helicopters will be used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and surveillance missions, amongst others.<h2>Deal signed ahead of Putin's visit to India</h2>The defence deal between India and the US comes at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India for the first time after the Russia-Ukraine war. He will land in New Delhi on Thursday evening (December 4) and will be hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a lavish dinner. The formal engagements will begin on Friday (December 5), starting with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During this visit, India and Russia are looking forward to several agreements including defence cooperation, nuclear energy projects, trade expansion frameworks, and advanced technology partnerships.&nbsp;

This $946 million dollar package will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, build interoperability with the U.S. and regional partners.

In a major boost to its defence powers, India has signed a deal with the United States for 24 MH-60R “Seahawk" naval helicopters. The $946 million deal is being seen as a boost to bilateral defence ties and regional security. The State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) called the agreement between both the countries as "great news". “Great news in our defense relationship with India. India’s Ministry of Defense signed a sustainment package for its 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, developed by Lockheed Martin. This $946 million dollar package will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, build interoperability with the U.S. and regional partners, and makes both our nations safer and more prosperous," wrote the US’ State Department on X after sealing the deal. The multi-role helicopters will be used for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and surveillance missions, amongst others. Deal signed ahead of Putin's visit to India The defence deal between India and the US comes at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India for the first time after the Russia-Ukraine war. He will land in New Delhi on Thursday evening (December 4) and will be hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a lavish dinner. The formal engagements will begin on Friday (December 5), starting with a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. During this visit, India and Russia are looking forward to several agreements including defence cooperation, nuclear energy projects, trade expansion frameworks, and advanced technology partnerships.

This $946 million dollar package will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities, build interoperability with the U.S. and regional partners.

India to buy 24 Seahawk naval helicopters from US. Here's all about the $946 million deal

The Indian Navy formally inaugurated the initial squadron of MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters on Wednesday (March 6), marking a substantial enhancement to the force's surveillance and combat capabilities in vital waters.

The commissioning ceremony for the INAS 334 'Seahawks' naval air squadron took place at INS Garuda in Kochi, with Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar in attendance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-chief-on-board-ins-vikrant-speaks-to-wion-about-ins-jatayu-and-red-sea-crisis-697373">Indian Navy chief on board INS Vikrant speaks to WION about INS Jatayu and Red Sea crisis</a>

Manufactured by US defence giant Lockheed Martin Corporation, the MH-60R Seahawk is an all-weather helicopter equipped with advanced avionics and sensors, representing a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter.

Designed for various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation, the helicopter is deemed a potent multi-role asset on a global scale.

The Chief of the Naval Staff hailed the MH 60R Seahawk as one of the world's formidable multi-role helicopters, emphasising its significant contribution to India's maritime capabilities.

He underscored the Indian Navy's unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests in the maritime domain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ins-jatayu-possibilities-and-challenges-for-indias-naval-airbase-in-minicoy-lakshadweep-697357">INS Jatayu: Possibilities and challenges for India’s Naval airbase in Minicoy, Lakshadweep</a>

"With their cutting-edge sensors and multi-mission capabilities, MH 60Rs will augment our maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities," remarked Admiral Kumar. He commended the officers and personnel of 'Seahawks' for the swift integration of INAS 334 with the fleet and urged them to maintain excellence and readiness for missions ensuring the safety, security, and stability of the nation's waters.

The commissioning ceremony featured an impressive fly-past by a formation of the Seahawks and a traditional water cannon salute, marking the historic occasion.

Notable attendees included Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, and Director General Naval Operations V Adm A N Pramod.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-to-boost-security-set-to-commission-ins-jatayu-at-lakshadweeps-minicoy-islands-amid-male-row-696046">Indian Navy to boost security, commission INS Jatayu at Lakshadweep's Minicoy islands amid Male row</a>

The induction of these helicopters into the INAS 334 squadron is expected to significantly bolster the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in light of increasing Chinese military activities.

The procurement agreement for 24 MH-60Rs was signed between India and the US in February 2020 under the framework of foreign military sales.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Navy formally inaugurated the initial squadron of MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters on Wednesday (March 6), marking a substantial enhancement to the force's surveillance and combat capabilities in vital waters.

The Indian Navy formally inaugurated the initial squadron of MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters on Wednesday (March 6), marking a substantial enhancement to the force's surveillance and combat capabilities in vital waters. The commissioning ceremony for the INAS 334 'Seahawks' naval air squadron took place at INS Garuda in Kochi, with Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar in attendance. Also read: Indian Navy chief on board INS Vikrant speaks to WION about INS Jatayu and Red Sea crisis Manufactured by US defence giant Lockheed Martin Corporation, the MH-60R Seahawk is an all-weather helicopter equipped with advanced avionics and sensors, representing a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter. Designed for various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation, the helicopter is deemed a potent multi-role asset on a global scale. The Chief of the Naval Staff hailed the MH 60R Seahawk as one of the world's formidable multi-role helicopters, emphasising its significant contribution to India's maritime capabilities. He underscored the Indian Navy's unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests in the maritime domain. Also read | INS Jatayu: Possibilities and challenges for India’s Naval airbase in Minicoy, Lakshadweep "With their cutting-edge sensors and multi-mission capabilities, MH 60Rs will augment our maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities," remarked Admiral Kumar. He commended the officers and personnel of 'Seahawks' for the swift integration of INAS 334 with the fleet and urged them to maintain excellence and readiness for missions ensuring the safety, security, and stability of the nation's waters. The commissioning ceremony featured an impressive fly-past by a formation of the Seahawks and a traditional water cannon salute, marking the historic occasion. Notable attendees included Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, and Director General Naval Operations V Adm A N Pramod. Also read: Indian Navy to boost security, commission INS Jatayu at Lakshadweep's Minicoy islands amid Male row The induction of these helicopters into the INAS 334 squadron is expected to significantly bolster the Navy's operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in light of increasing Chinese military activities. The procurement agreement for 24 MH-60Rs was signed between India and the US in February 2020 under the framework of foreign military sales. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Navy commissions MH 60R Seahawk helicopter

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India to buy 24 Seahawk naval helicopters from US. Here's all about the $946 million deal

Indian Navy commissions MH 60R Seahawk helicopter