The Ministry of Defence has signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance with the United States government for a five‑year sustainment package for the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH‑60R Seahawk multi‑role helicopters, valued at approximately ₹7,995 crore. The agreement, concluded under Washington’s Foreign Military Sales framework in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, is aimed at keeping the high‑end anti‑submarine warfare platform at peak operational readiness over the long term.
What the sustainment deal covers
The sustainment support is structured as a comprehensive “follow‑on support” and “follow‑on supply support” package, covering the full lifecycle needs of the MH‑60R fleet. This includes provisioning of spares, support and ground‑handling equipment, product support, training and technical assistance for Indian personnel, as well as repair and replenishment of critical components. The contract also provides for setting up intermediate‑level component repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities within India, reducing turnaround times and dependence on overseas repair depots.
Boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and domestic ecosystem
By localising key maintenance and overhaul capabilities, the deal aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence. The in‑country facilities are expected to spur indigenous products and services, opening opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises and other Indian firms to participate in the MH‑60R support value chain, from component repair to specialised technical services.
Operational impact on the MH‑60R fleet
The MH‑60R, supplied by the US as part of a 24‑helicopter acquisition signed in 2020, is an advanced, all‑weather, ship‑borne platform optimised for anti‑submarine and anti‑surface warfare as well as surveillance and search‑and‑rescue roles. The new sustainment package is expected to significantly enhance the helicopters’ availability and maintainability, allowing them to operate effectively from dispersed coastal bases and frontline warships while delivering optimal performance across primary and secondary missions.
Strategic significance of the agreement
Officials have underlined that this is a capability‑centred support pact rather than a fresh acquisition, coming at a time when India is modernising its naval aviation arm to counter under‑sea threats in the wider Indo‑Pacific. By locking in predictable, long‑term support and simultaneously building domestic maintenance infrastructure, the agreement deepens India–US defence cooperation and strengthens the Indian Navy’s ability to field a credible, networked anti‑submarine warfare grid in the region.
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Source: PIB
