The Indian Navy is nearing completion of its MH-60R Seahawk fleet, following new deliveries from the US this month.
The US Embassy in India confirmed on 17 July 2026 that one MH-60R helicopter had recently arrived in Kochi.
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According to the Embassy, two further helicopters were scheduled to be delivered by the end of last week.
“Another MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter touched down on Indian shores! Developed by Lockheed Martin, this highly equipped helicopter was delivered to the Indian Navy at Kochi last week, with two more arriving this week. Thrilled to see the US-India defence partnership growing stronger,” the US Embassy in India said.
The delivery at Kochi brings the total number of MH-60Rs delivered to the Indian Navy to 21 out of the 24 units, according to local media reports.
India signed the contract in 2020 to update its rotary-wing aviation capability and replace its ageing Sea King fleet.
The first MH-60R intended for the Indian Navy completed its maiden flight in Owego, New York, in 2021. The service formally commissioned its first MH-60R squadron, INAS 334 ‘Seahawks’, at INS Garuda in Kochi in March 2024.
The MH-60R Seahawk, produced by Lockheed Martin, is designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. It is equipped for secondary missions including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and vertical replenishment.
The helicopters are fitted with a range of advanced digital sensors. These include multi-mode radar, electronic support measures, electro-optical and infrared cameras, datalinks, survivability systems, dipping sonar, and sonobuoys, according to official sources.
Weapons integration includes torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles, rockets, and crew-served guns.
To ensure operational readiness, India signed a sustainment package for the MH-60R fleet in December 2025.
In 2024, the US State Department approved a possible $1.17bn Foreign Military Sale to India for MH-60R helicopter equipment and follow-on support.
