Why India want to buy US Chopper MH 60? Know every thing about it.

• India has kicked off the formal process for mega defence deal with the US.
• Recently, the Indian government has issued the letter of request to the US government for the Rs 13,500 crore acquisition of 24 naval multi-role MH-60 'Romeo' helicopters, armed with torpedoes and missiles for potent anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
• The government-to-government deal for the MH-60 choppers is likely to be inked within a year.

 

Background

• The US has already notched military sales worth $17 billion to India since 2007, even overtaking Russia for three to four years during the last decade.
• India has brought most of its weapon systems from the US, like the C-17 Globemaster-III strategic airlifters, C-130J “Super Hercules” planes and M-777 ultralight howitzers, through FMS programme.
• Acquisition of new multi-role helicopters has been pending for well over a decade, with the Navy identifying them along with submarines and minesweepers as the top three “critical operational necessities” for it.
• The 140-warship force has just about a dozen old Sea King and 10 Kamov-28 anti-submarine warfare helicopters.
• The preliminary “acceptance of necessity” for the MH-60 choppers and the $1 billion acquisition of the American National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II), slated for deployment as a missile shield for India, was accorded by Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC) just before the inaugural “two-plus-two” dialogue between India and the US on 6 September 2018.

Significance of the deal

• MH-60R is the most expeditious path for getting the Indian Navy the capability it needs now.
• The MH-60R provides a vital capability for the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.
• An MH-60R acquisition allows the Indian Navy to benefit from an active production line getting them this capability quickly, and the ongoing support we are providing for over 300 MH-60Rs flown by the U.S. Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Danish Navy, and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
• MH-60R acquisition ensures partner Navies are part of the technology insertion roadmap, including obsolescence mitigation, ensuring the Romeo stays relevant and ahead of the evolving threat environment.
• The induction of these heavy-duty choppers in the 2020-2024 timeframe will come as a shot in the arm for the Indian Navy, whose warships are virtually bereft of such helicopters at a time when Chinese nuclear and diesel-electric submarines are making regular forays into the Indian Ocean Region.

Way ahead

• The US is in contention for more Indian defence deals.
• Washington is aggressively hawking its F/A-18 or F-16 fighter production line for the IAF’s over $20 billion “Make in India” competition for 114 jets as well as the Navy’s quest for 57 carrier-capable fighters.
• India and the US are also in advanced talks for 22 armed Predator-B or weaponised Sea Guardian drones.
• Then, after the first 24 multi-role helicopters, the Navy also has long-term “Make in India” projects for another 123 such choppers as well as 111 armed light utility choppers.