MH-60R Seahawk
- CONTEXT:The Indian Navy has received another MH-60R Seahawk multi-role naval helicopter from the United States, further strengthening its anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities.
ABOUT MH-60R Seahawk :
- The Indian Navy has commissioned its second MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron, INAS 335, at INS Hansa in Goa.
- Nicknamed the “Ospreys,” the squadron operates US-origin MH-60R helicopters, These helicopters will significantly enhance the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and blue-water operational capabilities.
- It uses MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, the naval version of the Black Hawk.
- These helicopters help in finding submarines, monitoring the sea, and protecting India’s maritime borders.
- This strengthens India’s naval defence and sea security.
Key Features of the MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter:
- MH-60R Seahawk is an advanced naval helicopter developed by Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) for the US Navy.
- It is a maritime version of the Black Hawk helicopter and was used in Operation Neptune Spear (2011).
- It is equipped with modern radar, infrared cameras, sonar, electronic sensors, and secure communication systems.
- Its mission system combines data from all sensors to detect ships and submarines accurately.
- It provides real-time battlefield awareness for better naval operations.
- The helicopter can carry torpedoes, missiles, rockets, and machine guns.
- It is mainly used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions.
- The helicopter can be armed with torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles, rockets, and onboard guns, making it a powerful platform for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
