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
More from Air Warfare
-
![Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs]()
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
![Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway]()
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
![Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study]()
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
![Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase]()
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
![Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft]()
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
![Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year]()
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
