Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi has confirmed that the naval force remains open to acquiring more foreign helicopters beyond the 24 MH-60R Seahawks recently inducted.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the second MH-60R squadron, INAS 335 'Ospreys', at INS Hansa in Goa, the Admiral highlighted that while the current fleet addresses immediate gaps, the Navy is simultaneously evaluating long-term requirements against the progress of domestic development programmes.
This statement underscores a flexible procurement strategy designed to ensure operational readiness is never compromised.
Admiral Tripathi clarified that the initial contract for 24 MH-60R helicopters was intended to plug urgent operational voids, specifically in critical domains such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and special maritime operations.
These helicopters have already proven their worth, having been successfully deployed during 'Operation Sindoor' in May 2025. However, the Chief emphasised that this acquisition does not preclude future imports.
The decision to procure additional units will depend heavily on whether indigenous manufacturing can meet the Navy’s strict delivery timelines.
The Navy is currently managing multiple parallel acquisition tracks involving the Indian industry.
These include the ambitious design and development of the Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH)—a naval variant of the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH)—and a separate utility helicopter maritime platform.
These projects are being advanced in close partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
The aim is to achieve a balance where immediate combat capability is secured through imports while long-term self-reliance is built domestically.
According to Admiral Tripathi, the industry has already submitted indicative timelines for these indigenous projects, which naval experts are now scrutinising in detail.
The primary concern for the Navy is ensuring that these manufacturing schedules align with the force's operational imperatives.
The Admiral was clear that if significant delays arise or if capability gaps threaten to persist, the option to procure additional proven, off-the-shelf helicopters like the MH-60R remains firmly on the table to maintain fleet efficiency.
In this strategic framework, HAL’s development of the naval IMRH is of paramount importance.
Expected to be a 12.5-tonne platform, this helicopter will differ from its Army and Air Force counterparts by featuring specific modifications for shipborne use.
These include a folding tail boom and main rotor blades for hangar storage, enhanced corrosion protection for salty environments, and integration with the new Aravalli engine developed in collaboration with Safran.
This programme is viewed as the foundation of India’s future rotary-wing naval aviation capabilities.
Ultimately, the Navy’s stance reveals a pragmatic dual-track approach: satisfying urgent defence needs with reliable foreign platforms like the MH-60R while aggressively supporting local industry.
By keeping the possibility of further imports open, the Indian Navy ensures it remains combat-ready today, even as it nurtures a sustainable and independent helicopter ecosystem for the decades ahead.
