One more U.S. made anti-submarine helicopter delivered to the Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States, further strengthening its anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities.

This brings the total number delivered to 21 out of the 24 ordered.

The U.S. Embassy said on Friday that the latest helicopter was delivered in Kochi last week, while two more helicopters are expected to arrive in India this week.

Announcing the delivery on X, the U.S. Embassy said the induction reflects the growing India-U.S. defence partnership. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the development as “excellent news” for bilateral ties, saying the advanced helicopter would enhance maritime security and reinforce the shared commitment of both countries to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Designed to fight submarines

The MH-60R, manufactured by Lockheed Martin under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, is among the world’s most advanced shipborne helicopters. Designed primarily for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, it is equipped with a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, a multi-mode radar, electro-optical sensors and Mk-54 lightweight torpedoes. It can also carry AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and machine guns to engagr surface threats.

Apart from combat missions, the helicopter is capable of search and rescue, medical evacuation, surveillance and logistics support, significantly expanding the operational reach of the Indian Navy’s frontline warships.

The Navy commissioned its first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334 ‘Seahawks’, at INS Garuda, Kochi, in March 2024. The second squadron, INAS 335 ‘Ospreys’, was raised at INS Hansa, Goa, in December 2025, enabling deployment of the helicopters on both the eastern and western seaboards aboard aircraft carriers, destroyers, and Project 17A stealth frigates.

India had signed a deal in 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R helicopters from the U.S. to replace the ageing Sea King fleet.

In December 2025 New Delhi signed a sustainment package for the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet.

Often called the “Romeo”, the MH-60 Seahawk is used by the U.S. Navy and partner nations worldwide, serving as a versatile platform for surveillance, search-andrescue, medical evacuation and warship-based missions.