India, US Sign ₹7,995-Crore Pact to Boost MH-60R Helicopter Sustainment Capability

One of the most significant features of the agreement is the establishment of Intermediate-Level (I-Level) repair facilities and Periodic Maintenance Inspection (PMI) centres in India.

India has taken a major step toward strengthening its naval aviation readiness with the Ministry of Defence signing two crucial Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States Government for long-term sustainment support of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R multi-role helicopters. The agreements—covering Follow-on Support and Follow-on Supply Support—were formalised under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme in New Delhi on 28 November 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. Valued at approximately ₹7,995 crore, the five-year sustainment package marks one of the largest commitments toward life-cycle support for India’s frontline maritime assets.

A Comprehensive Sustainment Ecosystem for MH-60R Operations

The sustainment support package includes a wide spectrum of services essential for maintaining high mission readiness of the MH-60R fleet—regarded globally as among the most advanced maritime helicopters. The components of the package include timely provisioning of spares, advanced support equipment, customised product support, in-depth technical assistance, specialised training modules, and structured repair and maintenance cycles.

One of the most significant features of the agreement is the establishment of Intermediate-Level (I-Level) repair facilities and Periodic Maintenance Inspection (PMI) centres in India. These facilities will enable the Indian Navy to undertake a higher degree of technical repairs and overhauls domestically, reducing turnaround time and easing dependence on foreign manufacturers.

Boosting Aatmanirbhar Bharat Through Domestic Capability Creation

The in-country development of repair, overhaul, and maintenance infrastructure is aligned with India’s long-term strategic objective of achieving defence self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. Localised support facilities are expected to significantly strengthen indigenous capabilities by enabling Indian MSMEs, specialised engineering firms, and service providers to become part of the broader supply chain ecosystem related to the MH-60R platform.

This localisation not only reduces operational reliance on the US Government and OEMs but also fosters a domestic industrial base capable of supporting complex military aviation technologies. In the coming years, Indian firms may also contribute to component-level manufacturing, refurbishment, and software-based support solutions, further deepening the indigenisation drive.

Enhancing Operational Availability of India’s Most Advanced Naval Helicopters

The MH-60R Seahawk, popularly known as the “Romeo,” is a state-of-the-art, all-weather, multi-mission helicopter equipped for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface operations, search and rescue (SAR), electronic warfare, maritime security, and surveillance roles. The aircraft has been a critical addition to India’s maritime arsenal, especially at a time when undersea threats and the need for expanded maritime domain awareness are increasing in the Indian Ocean Region.

The new sustainment agreement ensures that these versatile helicopters maintain high operational availability, even during extended deployments on ships or dispersed naval outposts. Defence analysts note that robust supply and repair infrastructure is just as vital as the platform itself, especially for high-technology assets like the MH-60R that rely on complex avionics, sonar systems, and mission equipment.

Strategic Impact on India–US Defence Cooperation

The signing of the LOAs is also a reflection of the growing defence and strategic partnership between India and the United States. The MH-60R acquisition and its associated sustainment agreements stem from the foundational defence cooperation framework established between the two countries over the past decade, which includes logistics support agreements, maritime information sharing, and joint operational exercises.

By committing to long-term sustainment collaboration, both sides signal their intent to continue strengthening interoperability, especially in maritime operations where coordinated capability is essential for regional security.

A Significant Step for Long-Term Maritime Readiness

With the sustainment support now secured for the next five years, the Indian Navy is positioned to fully maximise the potential of its MH-60R fleet. The enhanced availability of these helicopters will increase the Navy’s ability to conduct continuous anti-submarine patrols, provide rapid-response capabilities in crisis situations, and ensure seamless operations across the fleet.

The agreement underscores India’s commitment to ensuring that its critical defence platforms receive world-class support while simultaneously pushing forward the national goal of technological self-reliance.