The MH-60R Seahawk or Romeo planes of the Indian Navy is a milestone in achieving the self-sufficiency, a blend of the recent imports with the integration of the local one in order to conquer the vast sea frontiers of India.
These multi-role aircraft carriers are better in anti-submarine attacks (ASW), anti-surface attacks, search and rescue operations, surveillance and logistics and are used in destroyers, frigates and carriers like INS Vikrant. They had weaponization of torpedoes, Hellfire missiles, Kongsberg strike missiles, rockets and guns and a speed of 267km/h, 834km range and a service ceiling of 3,438m on twin 1,425kW turboshaft engines. Advanced sensors, including dipping sonar, APS-153 multimode radar, FLIR turret, sonobuoys and electronic support measures, will give the complete image of the ocean, and identify the subs and ships in any weather conditions.
In 2020, India has ordered 24 MH-60Rs to be delivered between 2022 and 2025, at a price of over 14,000 crore to it (the INAS 334 squadron in Kochi currently deploys 20 of them). Localisation is self-reliant: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supplies IFF transponders Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) supplies avionics and local firms serve simulators and data links. It has a five-year sustainment contract with 964 million dollars that ensures the sustainment preparedness of up to five years using Indian maintenance centers.
This is befitting to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Operating Romeos is an ASW technology developer, it is coupled with local programs of Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) and Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH). To reduce any reliance on imports, as well as to offset threats of proliferating sub fleet Chinese in the Indian Ocean, cooperatives (sub contracts) transfer technology of sensors and weapons. The training of a 100 plus Indian crew improves the future local platform capabilities of pilots and technicians.
The 20th Romeo (IN770) flight tests, and a new squadron in Goa have been in the recent past, and these have enhanced the deterrence as a result of the regional tensions. Additional localisation shall be realised by 2025 upgrades which include tactical radios and external tanks. Instant power The MH-60R offers 15 tonne lifting ability in VERTREP, night operations and littoral operations.
Lastly, the Romeos are gap bridges and thus, alien technologies are an Indian power and it goes without saying that self-sufficiency is clever imports and bold indigenization that would result in a blue-water Navy that would withstand any storm.
