New Delhi: In a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, its MH-60R helicopters landed for the first time on the indigenous destroyer, INS Kolkata. This achievement significantly boosts the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability.
The navy said 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 further strengthen the navy’s capability to counter underwater threats, monitor maritime activities, and conduct surveillance operations, the navy said.
India is buying 24 of these helicopters from the US government under the framework of foreign military sales. They are being modified with several India-unique equipment and weapons.
The navy received the first two choppers from the US in July 2021.
Manufacturer of MH-60R helicopters, Lockheed Martin says its performance-based logistics program for the US Navy’s helicopters enables 95 percent flight readiness and availability – a rate unmatched by other maritime helicopters.