The US state department has said on Tuesday that the United States has approved the sale of its 24 multi-role MH-60 ‘Romeo’ Seahawk helicopter to India which when estimated worth $2.4 billion.
According to news reports, for more than a decade, India has been eyeing on these anti-submarine hunter helicopters. The helicopter designed for hunting down submarines, knocking out ships or warships, as well as conducting a search-and-rescue operation at sea, Lockheed Martin-built helicopter would replenish the Sea King helicopter, British-made.
The MH-60R Seahawk missions are anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, communications relay, combat search and rescue, naval gunfire support and logistics support.
The US department said the sale will enhance the security of defensive partner which resume being a crucial force for the political peace, stability and the economic progress in the South Asia and Indo-Pacific region.
The notification said India would be able to use these helicopters to the regional threats and also to bolster its homeland security, as well as, India would not face any difficulties absorbing these helicopters into armed forces. It also said the sale of these helicopter to India would not disturb the basic military balance.
MH-60 Romeo Seahawks would add lethal capabilities of the Indian Navy, which experts say is the need of the hour given the aggressive behaviour of China in the Indian Ocean region.