Navy Inducts Second Seahawks Squadron: Boost to India’s Defence Capabilities

Context

The Indian Navy has commissioned its second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron (INAS 335 – Ospreys) at INS Hansa, Goa. This comes as India strengthens its maritime security and anti-submarine warfare capabilities amid evolving conventional and asymmetric threats.

What is the MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter?

1. The MH-60R Seahawk is a US-origin, multi-role maritime helicopter, a naval version of the Black Hawk.
2. It is distinct from the V-22 Osprey, which is a tilt-rotor transport aircraft.
3. India has acquired 24 MH-60R helicopters from the United States under a deal worth over ₹15,000 crore.
4. These helicopters are replacing the ageing Sea King helicopters, which had been in service for several decades.
5. The first squadron (INAS 334) was inducted at INS Garuda, Kochi in March 2024, making the platform fully integrated into naval operations.
6. The helicopters can operate from shore bases, aircraft carriers, and large naval ships, enhancing fleet flexibility.

Why Does the Induction Matter?

1. India faces increasing submarine threats, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
2. Maritime security challenges now include terrorism, piracy, smuggling, drones, and non-state actors.
3. The Navy needs modern, versatile platforms to support blue-water operations far from India’s coastline.
4. The induction also marks 75 years of the Indian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, making it symbolically and operationally significant.

How the MH-60R Enhances Naval Capabilities?

1. Multi-Role Operational Capability: The MH-60R is designed for:
   1. Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
   2. Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
   3. Search and Rescue (SAR)
   4. Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)
   5. Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) for ship-to-ship logistics at sea
2. Advanced Sensors and Weapons
   1. Equipped with multi-mode radar, infrared cameras, electronic support measures, datalinks, and dipping sonar.
   2. Uses sonobuoys to detect submarines.
   3. On-board mission systems create a real-time picture of surface and underwater threats.
   4. Can be armed with torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and guns.
3. Countering Conventional and Asymmetric Threats
   1. Conventional threats:
      1. Enemy submarines
      2. Surface warships

• Sea denial and deep-sea operations

1. Asymmetric threats:
   1. Maritime terrorism
   2. Piracy and smuggling

• Sea-borne infiltration

1. Use of fishing boats for hostile activities
2. Drones and autonomous vessels
3. Sabotage of ports and offshore infrastructure

4. Sustainment and Operational Readiness
   1. The Ministry of Defence signed sustainment support agreements worth ₹7,995 crore for five years.
   2. Support includes spares, training, repairs, maintenance facilities, and technical assistance.
   3. This ensures high availability, longer service life, and operations from dispersed locations and ships.

Implications of the Induction

1. Strengthens India’s anti-submarine warfare capability, critical in the Indian Ocean.
2. Enhances blue-water navy operations, extending the reach of warships.
3. Improves India’s ability to counter new-age asymmetric maritime threats.
4. Reduces dependence on obsolete platforms like Sea Kings.
5. Deepens India-US defence cooperation and interoperability.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

The induction of the MH-60R Seahawk squadron significantly enhances India’s maritime security, surveillance, and combat capabilities. With proper sustainment and gradual indigenisation, these helicopters will remain a key pillar of India’s naval power in the coming decades.