New Delhi: India has formalized a significant defense agreement with the United States, securing a ₹7,995 crore (approximately $960 million USD) deal for the sustainment support of the Indian Navy's MH-60R multi-role helicopter fleet. The agreement, formalized through Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs), was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The five-year deal, executed under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, aims to enhance the operational availability and maintainability of the Indian Navy's MH-60R helicopters. The sustainment support package is comprehensive, encompassing the provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training, and technical assistance. It also includes the repair and replenishment of components, along with the establishment of intermediate-level component repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities within India.
The MH-60R helicopters are all-weather capable and possess Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities, playing a vital role in naval operations. The sustainment agreement ensures that these helicopters can operate effectively from various locations, including dispersed sites and ships, maintaining optimal performance across primary and secondary missions.
The Indian Ministry of Defence emphasized that this agreement aligns with the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiative. By developing indigenous maintenance and repair facilities, India aims to reduce its dependence on the U.S. government for support and foster the growth of domestic capabilities in the defense sector. This initiative is expected to stimulate indigenous product and service development through Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other Indian companies.
The agreement is expected to significantly boost the Indian Navy's operational readiness by ensuring the sustained availability of critical components and maintenance support for its MH-60R helicopter fleet. This will enable the helicopters to continue performing their crucial roles in maritime security and anti-submarine warfare effectively.
