India signs deal with US to procure MH-60R Seahawk, AH-64E Apache helicopters

The Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk Romeo ASW helicopters.

India has officially signed a deal with the US to acquire advanced naval anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters and attack helicopters, under a deal worth around US$3.4 billion. 

As part of his two-day visit to India, US President Donald Trump announced that he signed an agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply 24 units of Sikorsky MH-60R Romeo Seahawk for the Indian Navy (IN) worth US$2.6 billion, and 6 Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters for the Indian Army (IA) worth around US$800 million.

The MH-60R helicopters will be acquired under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, while the AH-64E helicopters would be a combination of US FMS and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) with the US government.

The delivery of the MH-60R helicopters will give the Indian Navy enhanced capabilities especially in its expanding role in the Indian Ocean, as it replaces ageing Sea King naval helicopters in its arsenal. The Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk is considered as the most advanced ASW helicopter in the world.

It is expected that the first batch of MH-60R helicopters would be delivered to the IN in 2 years time.

Meanwhile the AH-64E Apache Guardian will provide the IA Army Air Corps with improve combat capabilities, including ground support and anti-tank roles. 

They would be the second branch service to operate the Apache Guardian attack helicopters, after the Indian Air Force (IAF) ordered 22 units and has started receiving the initial units starting 2019.


[1] News 18 India
[2] Business Today India
[3] Jane’s Defence Weekly