The Indian Navy will commission the newly inducted MH-60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter on March 6 Mar at INS Garuda, Kochi marking a pivotal moment in India’s defence modernisation journey. The Seahawks squadron will be commissioned in the Indian Navy as INAS 334, navy said here on Sunday.

The Indian Navy is set to witness a significant surge in its maritime prowess with the induction of the Seahawks. The helicopter is designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).

The helicopter has been rigorously tested in Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions and is fully integrated into the Fleet. The advanced weapons, sensors and avionics suite make the Seahawks ideal for the Indian Navy’s maritime security needs, offering enhanced capabilities for both conventional as well as asymmetric threats.

The MH-60R helicopter will enhance India’s blue-water capabilities, extending the operational reach of the Navy and supporting sustained naval operations across spectrums and over vast maritime domains.

The Seahawk’s deployment in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) would strengthen the Indian Navy’s maritime presence, dissuading potential threats and ensuring a secure and safe environment in this strategically crucial region.

The commissioning of the Seahawks underscores Indian Navy’s steadfast dedication to fortifying maritime security, aligning seamlessly with the government of India’s visionary goal of ensuring Security And Growth for All in the Region.

India and the US inked the deal for acquisition of 24 Seahawks in 2020 through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route. It means the US government stands guarantee for the all the terms and conditions of the contract. All the 24 helicopters will be inducted by next year.

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