Amid the heightened economic tensions between India and the US following the 50 per cent imposition of Trade Tariffs, things are moving in a positive direction for both nations as India inks a Rs 7,995 crore defence deal with the United States.

As part of the deal, the US will support the production and operational deployment of 24 MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopters for the Indian Navy. The two nations have signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), with the deal set to be in effect from 2025 to 2030.

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How Will The Deal Benefit The Indian Navy?

This India–US deal is a follow-on support agreement. Under it, the United States will supply spare parts and support equipment for the Seahawk helicopters, provide training for pilots and personnel, and offer technical assistance.

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India-US Deal: Features Of MH-60R Seahawk Romeo Helicopters

- The MH-60R Seahawk Romeo helicopters were manufactured by the Lockheed Martin Corporation of the United States.

- They were supplied to India under agreements signed in 2020.

- These helicopters have all-weather capabilities, allowing operations in any climatic condition.

- They can take off and land safely even during nighttime.

- The helicopters are equipped with advanced weaponry and systems, including Hellfire missiles, torpedoes, sonobuoys, and radar.

- A key highlight of the India-US deal is that earlier, the helicopters had to be sent to the US for maintenance; now, they can be serviced domestically in India.

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- The MH-60R is a versatile platform designed for a wide range of primary and secondary missions and is equipped with Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), logistics support/vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

- Additionally, it comes with a fully integrated mission system that provides exceptional situational awareness with key sensors: AN/APS-147/153 multi-mode radar, AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar (ALFS) and AN/AAS-44 forward-looking infrared (FLIR) electro-optical system for surveillance and targeting.


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