Context:
The Indian Navy will commission the newly inducted MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter on March 6 at INS Garuda, Kochi, Kerala.
New Heights in Naval Aviation: INAS 334 Seahawks Squadron Set to Soar with India-US Deal
- The Seahawks squadron will be commissioned in the Indian Navy as INAS 334.
- India-US Deal: 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 all the terms and conditions of the contract. All the 24 helicopters will be inducted by next year.
About MH 60R Seahawk:
About INS Garuda:
- It is an Indian naval air station located in Kochi, Kerala.
- It was commissioned on 11 May 1953.
- It is the oldest operating air station of the Indian Navy.
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- The Helicopter: It is designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).
- For India: The helicopter has been rigorously tested in Indian Reference Atmosphere (IRA) conditions and is fully integrated into the Fleet.
Characteristic Features of MH 60R Seahawk:
- Integration: These have been integrated with almost all the ships under the Indian Navy and ready for operational deployments.
- Attacking Capabilities: They are also capable of firing torpedoes, missiles and advanced precision kill weapon system rockets.
Defensive Capabilities: The self-protection suite comprises Chaff and Infrared Flares, which can be deployed automatically upon detection of a threat.-
- This is the only chopper in the Indian Navy with a self-defence capability from incoming gunfire or missiles.
Significance of MH 60R Seahawk for India:
- India’s Defence Modernisation: It is marking a pivotal moment in India’s defence modernisation journey.
- Enhance the Operational Reach: 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.
- Strengthen India’s Presence: 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.
- For Security: 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.
- It is in line with India’s 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.
News Source: All India Radio
4 Mar 2024
