MH60-R choppers a game changer in naval aviation

Source: The post is based on the article “MH60-R choppers a game changer in naval aviation” published in TOI on 3rd September 2022.

What is the News?

India is procuring 24 MH-60 Romeo(MH-60R) helicopters by 2025 as part of a Rs 15,000-crore deal with the US government. 

As part of this deal, the Indian Navy has received two MH-60 R multirole helicopters from the United States at Cochin International Airport.

What is MH-60R?

MH-60R is an all-weather helicopter manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corporation

They are the US Navy’s primary anti-submarine warfare anti-surface weapon system for open ocean zones.

They can be deployed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship strikes, specialized maritime operations as well as search and rescue missions.

The helicopters are designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.

What is the significance of MH-60R helicopters for India?

MH-60R helicopters will provide India with the capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions along with the ability to perform secondary missions including vertical replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay.