Indian Navy Gets Another MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter, Just 3 More Left to Complete Mega US Deal

The Indian Navy's fleet of American-made MH-60R Seahawk helicopters is nearing completion, with the US Embassy confirming that another maritime helicopter has been delivered at Kochi , taking the tally to 21 of the 24 ordered. Two more are set to arrive this week, while the final helicopter is expected by the end of the year.

Sharing the update on X , the embassy said the delivery reflects the growing US-India defence partnership , while US Ambassador Sergio Gor welcomed it as "excellent news." Built by Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky division as the maritime variant of the Black Hawk , the helicopters were acquired under a $2.6 billion Foreign Military Sales deal signed in February 2020 for 24 aircraft .

Deliveries began in 2021 , with the first two handed over in San Diego that July. India formally inducted its Seahawk squadron, INAS 334 , at INS Garuda, Kochi , in March 2024 . Designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and vertical replenishment, the MH-60R "Romeo" is equipped with advanced sensors, Mk-54 torpedoes , and Hellfire missiles , making it one of the world's most capable naval helicopters. It has already been deployed by the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor .

Beyond India, the MH-60R is operated by the US Navy and allied forces including Australia, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea , highlighting its role in modern maritime operations. In December 2025 , India signed a ₹7,995 crore five-year sustainment package covering spares, logistics, and maintenance support. The Navy is also reportedly considering additional MH-60R acquisitions, with its long-term requirement estimated at more than 100 naval helicopters .

The helicopter's safety record has also come under scrutiny. US Navy MH-60Rs have been involved in several accidents in recent years, including a January 2024 training crash into San Diego Bay and an October 2025 incident in the South China Sea , where an MH-60R operating from USS Nimitz crashed alongside a Super Hornet. In both cases, the crews survived, with investigations pointing to training and maintenance-related factors rather than inherent design flaws.