The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) of India approved the procurement of 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopters from the US. The cost of the acquisition of the helicopter is $2.6bn. The helicopters will be given to the Indian Navy and will be done through the US foreign military sales (FMS) programme. Highlights: In April 2018, the procurement was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). The sale was approved by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the US State Department in April 2019. The US Congress has also been notified about the possible sale. The principal contractor of the sale has been chosen as Lockheed Martin. It will replace the Sea King helicopters that were phased out in 2000. The helicopters will enhance India’s capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. The helicopters will support search and rescue, vertical replenishment, and communications relay missions.
