The Indian Navy will induct MH 60R Seahawk helicopters into its fleet in Kochi on Wednesday.
The Navy said this would be an important moment in India’s defense modernisation.
These helicopters will be inducted into the INAS 334 Squadron, which is expected to significantly enhance the Navy’s operational capability in the Indian Ocean region.
The US-made MH60R Seahawk is a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter. The helicopter is designed for missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue and medical evacuation, among others.
The Navy said on Sunday that the advanced weapons, sensors and avionics systems make the Seahawk perfect for the maritime security needs of the Indian Navy.
The Seahawk squadron will be inducted into the Indian Navy as INAS 334. India had signed an agreement with the US for the purchase of 24-MH 60R in February 2020 under the framework of Foreign Military Sales.
The Navy said, ‘The deployment of Seahawk in the Indian Ocean region will strengthen the maritime presence of the Indian Navy. It will also remove potential threats and ensure a safe environment in the strategically important area.
INS Jatayu will increase power in Lakshadweep
On the other hand, the Navy will deploy INS Jatayu to Naval Detachment Minicoy to enhance the security infrastructure in the strategically important Lakshadweep.
This deployment will be done on March 6 in the presence of Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar. Naval Detachment Minicoy was established in the early 1980s under the operational command of Naval Officer in Chief (Lakshadweep).
Minicoy, the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, straddles the vital sea lines of communication (SLOC).
The establishment of an independent naval unit with the necessary infrastructure and resources will enhance the overall operational capability of the Navy in the islands. This base will increase operational reach.