US approves deal for $1.7 billion upgrade of Indian Navy MH-60R helicopters
India received its first MH-60R in 2021. (Photo: Indian Defence Forces)
The equipment sale for the helicopters includes 30 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System Terminals (MIDS JTRS) for the Indian Navy.
The US State Department has approved a possible US$1.7 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of MH-60R Seahawk helicopter upgrade and follow-on support equipment to India.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Indian government has requested to buy 30 MIDS JTRS. Some other items in the FMS include external fuel tanks, advanced data transfer systems and spare and repair parts as well as ongoing software delivery and support.
The sale would work “to strengthen the United States-India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defence partner”, as well as improve “the Government of India’s capability to deter current and future threats by upgrading anti-submarine warfare capabilities”, the DSCA said in a statement.
Related Articles
Indian Navy commissions first MH-60R Seahawk squadron
The principal contractor for this sale would be Lockheed Martin.
India and the US announced the former’s order for 24 new MH-60R helicopters in February 2020 to replace its Navy’s ageing fleet of Westland Sea King Mk 42B/C and Kamov Ka-28 helicopters.
The Indian Navy received its first two MH-60R in 2021 and in 2022 had received six helicopters. It commissioned the first MH-60R Seahawk squadron in March 2024. According to media reports, while nine helicopters have been inducted, the remaining 15 are delayed.
In April 2023, the navy also acquired additional armaments worth $300 million for its MH-60R fleet which included an unspecified number of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and MK 54 lightweight torpedoes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era]()
“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era
European militaries face a new security landscape, with the proliferation of drones, theatre ballistic missiles and other threats boosting requirements for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and related systems. For L3Harris, missionised business jets are central to meeting these needs, providing capability and flexibility in a cost-effective package.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
