Indian Navy to sign a deal with US for Hellfire missiles and torpedoes worth Rs 2,400 crore

More than USD 300 million (about Rs 2,400 crore) worth of weapons and equipment are being purchased by the Indian Navy from the United States.

Armed with the weapons, navy helicopters will be better capable of protecting themselves against hostile vessels and submarines. The MH 60 "Romeo" helicopters, the most modern multi-role helicopters currently in use with the Indian Navy, are equipped with the weapons.

The Indian Navy's fleet of 24 helicopters will get more Hellfire missiles and MK 54 light torpedoes as part of the agreement. The MH-60 Romeo has been in use since Kochi, India, received the first batch of these helicopters in 2022. The navy has bought these helicopters to remedy a critical chopper shortage.

MH 60 Romeo Helicopters Information

Just a small number of armaments were purchased when the original purchase agreement was made with the US. The navy's staff was being trained and made comfortable with the new tools.

Hellfire missiles are powerful anti-weapons that may also be used to destroy command centers and other land targets like tanks. Moreover, their air-to-air skills are limited.

These helicopters are equipped with MK 54 light torpedoes. The P8I maritime planes are also equipped with these torpedoes, which are well recognized for their superior effectiveness against submarines.

On February 24, 2020, an agreement to purchase MH 60 Helicopters at an estimated cost of USD 2 billion was inked (over Rs 16,300 crore). By 2025, the delivery is anticipated to be finished. These navy helicopters, which are Made by Lockheed Martin, give navies all over the World Revolutionary Anti-Submarine (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) capabilities.

Digital sensors, such as multi-mode radar, electronic support measures, electro-optical/infrared measures, electro-optical/infrared camera, datalinks, aircraft survivability systems, dipping Sonars, and sonobuoys, are all included in the MH-60R's equipment. The Fully Integrated Mission System Processes Sensor Data to produce a comprehensive situational picture of the ocean's surface and the subsea area. Torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and crew-served guns are some of the available weapons.

The best-in-class sustainment program is important to the MH-60R Aircraft's Outstanding Mission Capability, Mission Availability, and Flight Readiness. These choppers are continually being upgraded with the latest sensors. A rate unmatched by other Maritime Helicopters, Lockheed Martin's Performance-Based Logistics Program for MH-60R helicopters allows for 95% flight readiness and availability. Romeo's Operational Edge will be maintained by the US Navy's MH-60R Plan Until 2045 and even much after that.