India acquires weapons worth $300 mn from US for its Navy

India is acquiring armaments worth over $300 million from the US to arm its naval multi role helicopters that will enhance their capability to counter enemy warships and submarines. The weapons are for the MH 60 'Romeo' choppers, the most advanced multi role helicopters currently in service with the Indian Navy.

The fleet of 24 choppers will get additional Hellfire missiles and Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes. The MH 60 Romeos have been in service since last year when the first batch was delivered at Kochi and have been acquired to fill a critical capability gap in the navy.

In the original contract signed with the US, only a limited amount of armaments were procured as crews were undergoing training and familiarisation with the new equipment. The Hellfire missiles are a potent anti shipping weapon and can be used to take down other ground targets like tanks and command posts as well. They also have limited air to air capabilities as well.

The Mk 54 light weight torpedoes, which are also equipped onboard the P8I maritime aircraft, are known to be a very effective anti submarine weapon. The deal for MH 60 Romeo naval multi role helicopters was signed in February 2020, at an estimated cost of $2 billion. The delivery of all 24 anti submarine helicopters is expected to be completed by 2025.

The acquisition of versatile naval choppers made by Sikorsky (part of the Lockheed Martin group) for deployment on frontline destroyers and frigates has been a top priority for the navy that requires the choppers to locate and take down enemy submarines and warships over an extended range. The presence of these choppers onboard an Indian warship extends its combat range by a few hundred kilometres and keeps it safer as the enemy can be detected and taken down from a distance.

The last major weapons deal signed with the US was in August 2021 for the GE 404 fighter jet engines. The $716 million acquisition was to power the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), 83 of which are on order by the Indian Air Force.