India US helicopter deal have finalised follow-on support agreements valued at approximately $894 million for the sustainment of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopter fleet. The Defence Ministry announced that two Letters of Offer and Acceptance were signed under the Foreign Military Sales programme to ensure continued operational availability of the multi-role helicopters.
Five-Year Support Package Under India US Helicopter Deal
The comprehensive five-year support package covers engineering, logistics, and maintenance services for the 24 MH-60R helicopters previously delivered to the Indian Navy. Valued at Rs 7,995 crore in Indian currency, the agreements will enable high mission-capability rates for the advanced anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare platforms.
MH60R Seahawk Helicopters Capabilities
The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, represent a significant enhancement to India’s maritime capabilities. Equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, the aircraft are designed for a wide range of naval missions, including search and rescue, maritime patrol, and combat operations.
Lockheed Martin MH-60R Sustainment & Support Agreement
Under the newly signed follow-on support LOAs, the United States will provide spare parts, repair services, and technical assistance required for fleet sustainment. The agreements ensure that the Indian Navy maintains the necessary inventory and support infrastructure to keep the MH-60R helicopters fully operational throughout their service life.
India US Helicopter Deal: 2019 Contract Background
This latest defence cooperation initiative builds on the 2019 contract for the acquisition of the 24 helicopters, which were inducted into the Indian Navy between 2021 and 2024. The current helicopter maintenance India arrangements reflect the growing strategic partnership in defence between the two nations.
Strategic Importance of MH60R Seahawk Helicopters
The MH-60R support agreement reinforces the commitment to interoperability and joint operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. The sustainment package is structured to guarantee that the Indian Navy’s MH60R Seahawk helicopters remain at peak performance levels for critical maritime security tasks.
Long-Term Reliability & Maintenance Provisions
Officials noted that the five-year support package includes provisions for obsolescence management and upgrades where required, ensuring long-term reliability of the platforms. The Foreign Military Sales framework continues to serve as the primary channel for such high-value defence acquisitions and associated support services.
Expansion of India–US Defence Cooperation
The signing of these agreements marks another milestone in US-India defence ties, particularly in the domain of naval aviation. The MH-60R fleet has already been integrated into Indian naval operations, with air squadrons achieving full operational capability in recent years.
Employment & Industrial Impact of India US Helicopter Deal
The helicopter sustainment arrangements are expected to generate employment opportunities in both countries while strengthening the industrial base that supports the platforms. The partnership extends beyond hardware to encompass training, technical expertise, and long-term maintenance collaboration.
Operational Readiness of MH-60R Fleet
With these new contracts, the Indian Navy’s operational availability helicopters will remain aligned with global standards for modern multi-mission maritime rotorcraft. The agreements underscore the importance placed on fleet readiness as part of broader naval modernisation efforts.
MH60R Seahawk Helicopters in Indian Naval Missions
The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters continue to play a vital role in enhancing India’s maritime domain awareness and power projection capabilities. The latest support package ensures that these assets will remain mission-ready across a spectrum of operational requirements in the coming years.
Growing India–US Maritime Defence Cooperation
This development follows a series of high-level engagements focused on deepening defence cooperation India and the United States. The sustained collaboration in naval aviation reflects shared priorities in maintaining security and stability in the maritime domain.
Lifecycle Management Under Lockheed Martin MH-60R Support
The comprehensive nature of the five-year support package addresses all aspects of lifecycle management for the MH-60R fleet. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, the agreements cover the full range of services needed to keep the helicopters at optimal performance levels.
Role of India US Helicopter Deal in Naval Modernisation
As the Indian Navy expands its blue-water capabilities, the MH-60R sustainment programme forms a critical component of overall fleet readiness. The successful implementation of these support agreements will directly contribute to enhanced operational effectiveness in diverse maritime environments.
Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties Through MH60R Seahawk Helicopters
The partnership exemplified by the MH-60R support agreement demonstrates the maturing defence relationship between India and the United States. Both nations continue to prioritise initiatives that enhance mutual security interests through technology transfer, training, and sustained logistical cooperation.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 29th, 2025
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