Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 19
Ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday cleared the deal to acquire 24 MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters for the Navy.
MH-60R to have anti-sub capability
- The MH-60R will have full anti-submarine warfare capability, as well ability to engage in warfare with ships at sea. The helicopters would replace India’s ageing fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters which are more than 40 years old
- Lockheed Martin website says it is the most reliable and cost effective option in it class. Its availability is 98 per cent and has an operating cost of less than $5,000 per flight hour
India is looking to get 24 specialised marine helicopters from US company Lockheed Martin for $2.6 billion (Rs 18,200 crore). The price negotiation has ended and a final contract is expected anytime now. The acquisition will help the Navy in its role of dominating the Indian Ocean.
The MH-60R is also used by the US Navy. It will have full anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability, as well ability to engage in warfare with ships at sea. The helicopters would replace India’s ageing fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters which are more than 40 years old. An ASW-capable helicopter which carries sea-dunking with its sea-dunking sonars are a favoured platform for detecting a submarine. Submarines of the People Liberation Army Navy of China have been spotted in the Indian Ocean often.
Lockheed Martin website says the MH-60R is the most reliable and cost effective option in it class. The helicopter has the lowest life-cycle cost in its class, says the company website.