The Indian Navy's MH-60R multirole helicopters landed for the first time on the home-built destroyer INS Kolkata, marking a significant milestone. This accomplishment significantly improves the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. According to the Navy, the MH-60R helicopter is a versatile platform known for its exceptional ASW, surveillance, anti-shipping, and search and rescue capabilities.
Its integration with Indian Navy warships will boost the navy's ability to counter underwater threats, monitor maritime activity, and conduct surveillance operations, according to the Navy.
In another tweet, the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy said: "The MH-60R is a versatile platform with outstanding ASW, surveillance, anti-shipping, and Search and Rescue capabilities. Integration with IN warships enhances the Navy's ability to counter underwater threats, monitor maritime activity, and conduct surveillance operations".
Lockheed Martin manufactures the MH-60R. Under the framework of foreign military sales, India is purchasing 24 of these helicopters from the US government. They are being outfitted with India-specific equipment and weapons.
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In July 2021, the Navy received the first two of the choppers from the United States.
According to Lockheed Martin's website, its performance-based logistics programme for the US Navy's MH-60R helicopters achieves 95 per cent flight readiness and availability - a rate unrivalled by other maritime helicopters.
The mission system's fully integrated sensor data is processed to create a complete situational picture of the ocean's surface and subsea domain. The crew can track, target, and engage ships or submarines more effectively and efficiently if they have actionable knowledge.
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