MH-60R SQUADRON

NEWS

• The Indian Navy commissioned its second squadron of MH-60R anti-submarine warfare helicopters on 11 December 2024.
• The squadron, INAS 335 (Ospreys), was commissioned at INS Hansa, Goa, the hub of Indian naval aviation.
• This induction significantly enhances India’s maritime combat and surveillance capabilities amid rising security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

HIGHLIGHTS

About MH-60R Helicopters

• Manufactured by Sikorsky–Lockheed Martin (USA).
• Designed as multi-role, all-weather, day-and-night platforms.
• Key operational roles include:
  • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
  • Anti-Surface Warfare
  • Maritime Surveillance
  • Search and Rescue (SAR)
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Vertical Replenishment

Operational Significance

• Equipped with:
  • Advanced avionics and world-class sensors
  • Potent weapons suite for maritime strike missions
• Enhances maritime domain awareness and rapid response capability.
• Strengthens India’s frontline naval aviation in a contested maritime environment.

Indigenisation and Self-Reliance

• The Navy is pursuing:
  • Integration of Made-in-India weapons and sensors on MH-60R platforms.
• Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and defence indigenisation goals.
• Reflects a shift from import dependence to technology absorption and adaptation.

Procurement and Delivery Status

• India signed a ₹15,000+ crore deal in 2020 for 24 MH-60R helicopters.
• 15 helicopters delivered so far; remaining expected by 2028.
• First squadron, INAS 334 (Seahawks), commissioned in Kochi (2023).

Strategic Context

• Commissioning comes amid:
  • Increased Chinese and Pakistani naval activity in the IOR.
  • Rising grey-zone threats, supply-chain disruptions, and geopolitical flux.
• Reinforces India’s commitment to:
  • Protect Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
  • Ensure maritime security and deterrence