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:

• 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