The Indian Navy received another MH-60R Seahawk at Kochi in July 2026, bringing the inducted total to 21 of 24 ordered; remaining airframes are expected by end‑2026.
MH-60R Seahawk — platform
- Type: Multi‑role naval helicopter; naval variant of the Sikorsky H‑60 (Black Hawk) family.
- Primary missions: Anti‑submarine warfare (ASW), anti‑surface warfare (ASuW), maritime surveillance, search and rescue, logistics.
- Sensors and armament: Dipping sonar, sonobuoy processing, maritime multimode radar, electro‑optical/infrared sensors; can employ Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes and air‑to‑surface missiles such as AGM‑114 Hellfire.
- Shipborne features: Designed for operation from frigates, destroyers and carriers; folding rotors and deck‑handling systems for shipboard stowage.
Indian procurement & induction
- Contract: 24 helicopters ordered under US Foreign Military Sales in February 2020; contract value ~USD 2.6 billion.
- Induction: Operational squadron INAS 334 at INS Garuda, Kochi; 21/24 delivered as of July 2026.
- Sustainment: Dec 2025 sustainment package ~Rs 7,995 crore for maintenance, spares and operational availability.
- Force requirement: Navy estimates shipborne helicopter need exceeding 100 airframes to meet fleet requirements.
- Procurement route: FMS provides government‑to‑government sale with provisions for training and sustainment.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- INAS: Indian Naval Air Squadron designation for naval aviation units.
- INS Garuda: Naval air station, Kochi, Kerala.
- Mk 54 torpedo: Standard lightweight ASW torpedo carried by naval helicopters.