New Delhi, 14 December (H.S.): The Indian Navy will commission its second squadron of advanced MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters, INAS 335, at INS Hansa in Goa on December 17, with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi presiding over the ceremony. This milestone enhances the Navy's modernization drive, significantly amplifying maritime combat capabilities across the India-Pacific region.

Following the induction of the inaugural squadron, INAS 334, at INS Garuda in Kochi last March amid a traditional water cannon salute, the force has acquired 24 helicopters from Lockheed Martin for $2.6 billion—a deal sealed during former US President Donald Trump's February 2020 visit to India.

Nineteen units have arrived thus far, with a recent November 28 agreement worth Rs 7,995 crore enabling in-country maintenance, repair, and overhaul for five years, signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

This pact fosters operational readiness, capacity building, and self-reliance, equipping the all-weather MH-60R platforms—renowned for anti-submarine warfare—with cutting-edge technology transfers for shipborne and land-based missions.

Designed for anti-submarine warfare, surface strikes, search-and-rescue, and medical evacuations, the Seahawk features night-vision gear, Hellfire missiles, Mk-54 torpedoes, rockets, and optional 7.62mm machine guns across four hardpoints, seamlessly integrating with fleet operations.

The commissioning at INS Hansa fortifies India's presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), leveraging the helicopter's superior sensors, avionics, and weaponry to elevate anti-submarine warfare prowess and meet diverse maritime security imperatives.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar