Biden Administration's Game-Changing Defence Deal With India

Washington:

In the final weeks of his presidency, outgoing President Joe Biden approved a pivotal defence equipment sale to India. On Monday, he informed Congress of the decision, authorizing the sale of MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter Equipment and related components, valued at USD 1.17 billion.

This deal will significantly enhance India’s submarine warfare capabilities, helping to deter present and future threats, as stated by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in its notification to Congress. According to contractors, the MH-60R helicopter offers transformational anti-submarine (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities. Originally designed for the US Navy, the aircraft is regarded as "rugged, powerful, and reliable."

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the United States-India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defense partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions," the DSCA added.

INAS 334 #Seahawks

The first MH-60R Squadron commissioned into the Indian Navy on March 6, 2024, at INS Garuda, Kochi.

The deal includes advanced data transfer systems, external fuel tanks, AN/AAS 44C(V) forward-looking infrared (FLIR) systems, an operator machine interface assistant, spare containers, design, construction support, testing equipment, munitions, and integration support.

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems will be the principal contractor for this sale. Additionally, around 20 US government officials or 25 contractor representatives will travel to India to provide technical support and management oversight during the implementation of the sale.

On March 6, 2024, India took a significant step in modernizing its defense capabilities when the Indian Navy inducted the MH-60R Seahawk at INS Garuda, Kochi.

Key Features of the MH-60R Helicopters:

• Advanced digital sensors, including multi-mode radar, electronic support measures, electro-optical/infrared camera, datalinks, aircraft survivability systems, dipping sonar, and sonobuoys.
• Fully-integrated mission systems that process sensor data to create a comprehensive situational picture of the ocean surface and subsea domain.
• The helicopter can track, target, and engage ships or submarines effectively.
• Weapons systems include torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and crew-served guns.

The MH-60Rs tailored for the Indian Navy come with specialized systems suited to Indian needs, including Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) transponder units from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Lockheed is collaborating with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to integrate these systems.

Lockheed Martin’s Performance Based Logistics program for the U.S. Navy MH-60R helicopters ensures a 95 percent flight readiness rate, unmatched by other maritime helicopters.

With 330 MH-60Rs operational worldwide, these helicopters are not only deployed by the Indian Navy but also by the U.S. Navy, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The helicopters are used for search and rescue, medical evacuation, command, control, and vertical replenishment missions

Reference from:-https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/biden-administrations-game-changing-defence-deal-with-india-7163155