The US State Department has approved the sale of additional equipment to India to boost the capabilities of Indian Navy MH-60R multi-mission helicopters acquired from the US.
In August, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procuring additional weapons and equipment to boost the capabilities of the Indian Navy (IN) MH-60R.
MH-60R Procurement Status
On February 25, 2020, during President Trump’s visit to New Delhi, India & the US signed an MoU to purchase 24 Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopters through foreign military sales (FMS).
The 24 MH-60Rs, which will be acquired at a cost of US$2.12 billion, will fill a major void in the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The first production helicopter’s maiden flight was in New York in May 2021.
In July 2021, the US Navy handed over the first two MH-60R helicopters to the Indian Navy at the Naval Air Station in North Island, San Diego.
In May 2023, an IN MH-60 helicopter landed on the indigenously designed and constructed destroyer INS Kolkata for the first time.
As per the contract, the first six helicopters were delivered by December 2023. They were commissioned into the Indian Navy as part of the INAS 334 squadron in March at INS Garuda, Kochi.
The helicopters are already operating from IN warships, including the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. They have participated in fleet exercises and operations.
Delivery of the remaining 18 helicopters is to be completed by 2027.
MH-60R Capabilities Boost
The first six helicopters delivered to India are in standard US Navy configuration and are being used to train IN pilots and maintenance crews on the US machine. These helicopters feature the APS-153(V) Multi-Mode radars and night-vision capabilities. They are armed with Hellfire missiles, MK-54 torpedoes, and rockets for anti-sub warfare.
The helicopters eventually acquired by the Indian Navy will be in a different configuration, featuring anti-surface vessel warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities that the US Navy has integrated but is not using.
The IN helicopters will feature AN/AAS-44C(V) multi-spectral targeting systems, AN/AVS-9 night-vision goggles, AN/SSQ-36/53/62 sonobuoys, Raytheon MK 54 torpedoes, Lockheed Martin AGM-114R Hellfire II air-to-surface missile and BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS).
Additional equipment and capabilities being acquired by the Indian Navy are estimated to cost a whopping US$1.17 billion.
The equipment and capabilities include.
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AN/AAS 44C(V) forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems.
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30 (24 installed, 6 spares) Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS-JTRS).
Non-major defense equipment (non-MDE) items in the package include – advanced data transfer systems; external fuel tanks; AN/AAS 44C(V) forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems; an operator machine interface assistant; spare containers; facilities study, design, construction and support; support and test equipment; munitions; integration and test support; spare and repair parts; intermediate and depot-level repair capabilities and associated spares; communications equipment; software development, delivery and support, including Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, including Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) repair capabilities and Performance Based Logistics (PBL); studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
In support of the package, twenty U.S. Government or up to twenty-five contractor representatives would be temporarily deputed to the Government of India for technical support and management oversight.
MIDS-JTRS
The Multifunctional Information Distribution System–Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) is a secure, high-capacity communication system that enables robust, real-time data and voice exchanges among military platforms.
It includes Software-Defined Radio and facilitates Advanced Networking Capabilities, Interoperability, Secure Communication, Enhanced Performance, and Support for Tactical Scenarios.
MIDS-JTRS enables the transmission of encrypted voice and data over secure communication channels and supports Link 16, a tactical data exchange network used widely by NATO and allied forces.
MIDS-JTRS uses software to adapt to various waveforms and frequencies, ensuring compatibility with diverse military communication standards.
The system employs robust encryption methods to prevent interception and ensure the confidentiality of transmitted information.
It is crucial in combat scenarios for coordinating operations, sharing situational awareness, and delivering targeting information in near real-time.
The MH-60R uses MIDS-JTRS to connect to the Link 16 tactical data exchange network, enabling it to receive and share real-time data with ships, aircraft, and command centers.
The helicopter can receive updates about incoming enemy threats, such as missiles or aircraft, allowing it to respond promptly. It can also send sensor data (e.g., from its radar or FLIR system) to other units, providing targeting information or enhancing the fleet’s situational awareness.
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
During ASW missions, the MH-60R deploys sonobuoys or its dipping sonar to detect submarines. Data from these systems can be transmitted to surface ships or other aircraft in real-time via the MIDS-JTRS, allowing for coordinated engagement.
P-8I Compatibility
The P-8Is can drop over 30 sonobuoys floating aircraft-base sensors that listen for submarine activity. MH-60s can access data from the sonobuoys using MIDS-JTRS.
Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
Using MIDS-JTRS, the MH-60R can coordinate with surface ships, aircraft, and other helicopters to track and engage hostile surface vessels.
For example, it can act as an over-the-horizon targeting (OTH-T) platform, relaying targeting data for ship-launched missiles such as the Harpoon.
Electronic Warfare And Intelligence Gathering
Equipped with advanced sensors like the AN/APS-153 radar and ESM (Electronic Support Measures), the MH-60R can detect, classify, and track threats. This intelligence is securely shared via MIDS-JTRS to inform the fleet’s operational decisions.
Conclusion
The cost of the IN’s acquisition of 24 MH-60R helicopters has now crossed US$3.8 billion. However, the IN has acquired a formidable ASW and ASuW with the combination of MH-60R helicopters and P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMRASW) Aircraft.
- Vijainder K Thakur is a retired IAF Jaguar pilot, author, software architect, entrepreneur, and military analyst.
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