New Delhi / Washington, November 28, 2025:
In a major boost to India’s maritime security capabilities, the US State Department has approved a $900 million sustainment package for the Indian Navy’s 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, strengthening anti-submarine warfare readiness amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions with China.
The agreement was formally signed in New Delhi by US Ambassador Eric Garcetti and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, marking one of the largest long-term support pacts under the expanding India-US defense partnership.
The 10-year sustainment deal includes spare parts, advanced sensors, depot-level maintenance, and training for over 500 Indian Navy personnel in Bengaluru, aimed at enhancing interoperability under the iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) framework.
Lockheed Martin India executive Jason Chalker said the package would ensure a 95% fleet readiness level, significantly improving India’s submarine-hunting, surveillance, and over-the-horizon targeting capabilities.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan welcomed the approval, emphasizing the Navy’s focus on integrating indigenous technologies and moving toward a 200-ship combat-ready force by 2030.
The MH-60R Seahawks—often called the “Romeo”—are among the world’s most advanced maritime helicopters, capable of deploying torpedoes, depth charges, and radar systems critical for tracking PLA Navy submarines in the Indian Ocean Region.
The new sustainment pact further strengthens India’s naval modernization drive and deepens strategic defense cooperation between New Delhi and Washington.
