India seals Rs 7,995-crore support deal with US for 24 Navy MH-60R helicopters

India secures 24 naval MH-60R helicopter sustainment support from the US, signed under the FMS programme

November 29, 2025

US signs 5-year sustainment pact for India’s 24-strong MH-60R Navy fleet

Monthly maintenance, spares and training for Indian Navy’s Seahawk fleet

India secured a ₹7,995-crore “follow-on support” contract with the United States for the Indian Navy’s fleet of 24 MH‑60R Seahawk helicopters, covering sustainment services and supplies for five years.

The defence ministry signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the U.S. under its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. The contract was inked amid brief strain in bilateral ties, triggered after U.S. President Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on Indian goods in late August 2025.

The MH‑60R fleet, built by Lockheed Martin Corporation and originally produced by Lockheed Martin through its Lockheed Martin Corporation structure, featured all-weather capability, modern avionics, and mission-grade sensors. The maritime aircraft was a naval derivative of the Blackhawk helicopter, adapted for anti-submarine and multi-role naval missions.

India had earlier signed a procurement agreement for 24 aircraft in February 2020. Initial deliveries began in 2021, with the first three helicopters joining the Indian Navy’s service in 2021.

The sustainment package covered spare provisioning, mission equipment, product support, technical training, component repair, replenishment and intermediate-level maintenance. The LOAs also enabled the establishment of component-repair centers and periodic maintenance-inspection facilities in India, a move that reduced long-term dependence on U.S. support and aligned with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Indian MSMEs and domestic firms were expected to benefit through localized service and part-supply development, officials said.

The ministry later confirmed that fleet sustainment had improved operational availability and maintainability, while also allowing helicopter deployment from dispersed bases and naval ships without compromising mission performance. The helicopters’ primary missions also included anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, officials reiterated.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.