New Delhi: India is set to raise a new squadron of MH-60 ‘Romeo’ anti-submarine helicopters soon, explained Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi Tuesday. India ordered 24 of these aircraft in 2020 as part of a $2.4 billion deal to enhance its three-dimensional capabilities—on the surface, in the air and underwater.
“15 MH-60 Rs have been delivered so far. Some aircraft remain in the US for training of our pilots. We are going to commission one squadron in Goa in December,” Admiral Tripathi said at the annual press interaction ahead of Navy Day celebrations in the national capital.
The first two of the MH-60 Rs had been handed over to India in 2021. The first-two aircraft were originally from the American Navy’s own stock, gives as a sign of the growing defence cooperation between India and the US.
These helicopters are also known as ‘submarine hunters’ and are a part of India’s modernisation efforts as China’s submarine fleet has expanded in recent years. The Romeo, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is an all-weather helicopter designed to support different missions and with some of the most advanced avionic sensors.
India ordered 24 of these aircraft from the US government. The helicopters are expected to be modified with several equipment unique to Indian’s needs. The weapons package is said to include Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedoes.
The Indian Navy currently relies on the P-8i aircraft for its anti-submarine operations as China has increased its footprint in the Indian Ocean Region. In recent years, a number of Chinese research vessels with potential “spy capabilities” have been scouring the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), with previous port calls at Colombo and Maldives last year.
When questioned about the Chinese research vessels operating in the IOR, Admiral Tripathi made it clear that the Indian Navy is “fully aware of all activities” in the region, and that countries are free to operate as per international regulations.
“Beyond 200 NM (nautical miles) or the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), anyone is free to go anywhere. You can be rest assured that the Indian Navy is fully aware of all activities. Not just China. We have a complete picture. We take suitable actions as per the international regulations and directions of the government of India,” Tripathi said.
The purchase of the Romeos is a part of the vision to replace the ageing Sea King helicopters which are currently used by the Indian Navy more for transport rather than their original role—anti-submarine operations.
Earlier last week India sealed a Rs 7,995 crore deal with the US for a “follow on support” package for its fleet of MH-60 R helicopters for the next five years. The Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the US will sustain the fleet for the next half decade.
The agreement will see the establishment of intermediate level component repairs and periodic maintenance facilities for the helicopters in India.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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