Indian Navy Strengthens Maritime Capabilities with SeaHawk Helicopter Induction

In a significant boost to its operational capabilities, the Indian Navy today inducted six advanced MH-60R SeaHawk helicopters into its fleet. The acquisition of these multirole helicopters strengthens the Navy's presence in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region.

The new squadron, designated Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 334, will be based at INS Garuda, the naval air station in Kochi, Kerala. The MH-60R SeaHawks bring enhanced maritime reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and search and rescue capabilities to the Indian Navy's arsenal.

Renowned for their advanced sensors, avionics, and weapons systems, the MH-60R SeaHawks are ideally suited for both anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. This versatility bolsters the Indian Navy's capacity to counter evolving security challenges within the increasingly contested maritime domain of the Indian Ocean.

The induction ceremony at INS Garuda highlights the continued modernization of the Indian Navy's fleet. The station's strategic location on India's southwestern coast will serve as a key hub for training, maintenance, and deployment of the new MH-60R squadron.

About the MH-60R SeaHawk​

The MH-60R SeaHawk is a multi-mission maritime helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft (a Lockheed Martin company). It is widely deployed by the US Navy and other forces worldwide.

Key Capabilities​

• Advanced sensors and radar systems for long-range target detection
• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities including sonobuoys and torpedoes
• Anti-surface warfare capabilities
• Search and rescue operations

 

[desigandu]

India should consider getting 24 more MH-60Rs for dominance in IOR.

 

[Pink Panther]

India should consider getting 24 more MH-60Rs for dominance in IOR.

yes for three carriers.

 

[Kira]

India should consider getting 24 more MH-60Rs for dominance in IOR.

Sooner or later,they will need to order more as the Sea Kings have long since lost their relevance and IN will steadily induct multiple capital ships over the next decade,so these vessels will eventually require potent and proven multirole ASW copters.As,any HAL developed multirole copter will take a lot of time,I believe IN will need to order another batch of MH-60R in near future.

 

[FoxbatDestructor]

India should consider getting 24 more MH-60Rs for dominance in IOR.

We must note though that the MH-60s themselves are now 30-40 years old and the United States will initiate the process of finding a replacement for these within the next couple of years...
We must be careful about the choices we make.

 

[Anil Kumar]

With MH60r Weapons like torpido, missiles, sensors will be US made. And upgrade will be costly and will require US help. It's 40 years old helicopter. It's better to use ALH, LCH with Indian torpido, weapons and sensors and wait for new multi role medium weight helicopter.

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

India should also consider developing small helicopter carriers with 10 to 15 numbers to boost anti submarines warfare capabilities.

 

[Anant]

India should also consider developing small helicopter carriers with 10 to 15 numbers to boost anti submarines warfare capabilities.

That would be well and truly beyond the current financial capabilities. As things are, the MRSV project is stuck up due to a lack of funding through diverting of funds to projects with higher priority. While it sounds good, 12-15 helicopter carriers are simply well past our means.

 

[NSR]

MH-60Rs are world's best ISR and ASW naval helicopters.

24 MH-60Rs are too few for Indian warships requirements.
India is not getting anymore Kamovs from Russia under present circumstances.

Please order few more dozens at least with some form of local assembly/manufacturing so Indian Navy can maintain and upgrade them in India.

India must not hesitate to order more at all as they create a barrier of around 200+ kms around a warship.
Go for them.

 

[agent provocateur]

We must note though that the MH-60s themselves are now 30-40 years old and the United States will initiate the process of finding a replacement for these within the next couple of years...
We must be careful about the choices we make.

India then must collaborate with the USA for the new program. Never again should we use equipment for more then 15 years. We have a habit of using equipment for 30 plus years and our officers take pride in using that junk.

 

[agent provocateur]

Let's face it, we dont have the tech for helicopters. That combined with 20 to 25 years development cycles keeps us under prepared. The only solution is to buy platforms like the UH/MH60 and then design India specific upgrades for it. That way we will learn to develop cutting edge technology and export it to the world. Israeli's do that.

We can't depend on DRDO/HAL during war. They just don't have the work culture to think out of the box and come up with solutions to tackle specific situations.

We must stop behaving like ostriches and accept the reality that we cannot depend on DRDO HAL and DPSUS.

If you hate the Americans then go the Italians Leonardo has terrific flying machines and Italians may go for local production.

 

[Anil Kumar]

Let's face it, we dont have the tech for helicopters. That combined with 20 to 25 years development cycles keeps us under prepared. The only solution is to buy platforms like the UH/MH60 and then design India specific upgrades for it. That way we will learn to develop cutting edge technology and export it to the world. Israeli's do that.

Who said we don't have helicopter technology, these ALH, LCH, LUH helicopters are from which country and it will take 20,25 years to build a new helicopter for India. Have you ever heard of indian multi role helicopter program. And after 2060 you will feel proud to have 80 years old technology helicopter

 

[Mrityunjay Shrivastav]

MH-60Rs are world's best ISR and ASW naval helicopters.

24 MH-60Rs are too few for Indian warships requirements.
India is not getting anymore Kamovs from Russia under present circumstances.

Please order few more dozens at least with some form of local assembly/manufacturing so Indian Navy can maintain and upgrade them in India.

India must not hesitate to order more at all as they create a barrier of around 200+ kms around a warship.
Go for them.

MH-60R are going to replace Sea King Mk42 in ASW role (with about to end service life, 1970 tech dunking sonar, A-244 based NST-58 Torpedo)

Ka-27 were supposed to get life extension in russia and sensor, weapon upgrade package from israel but now it's uncertain Ka-27 have similar era dunking sonar but also provision to drop sonobuoys

Backbone helicopter for ASW for IN will be DBMRH and it will be big enough to accommodate all sensors and weapons found on MH-60R like European NFH-90