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MH-60R Helicopter: An important defense agreement worth Rs 7,995 crore has been signed between India and America. This deal is for the maintenance and support of MH-60R multi-role helicopters of the Indian Navy. This agreement will establish repair and inspection facilities in India, which will increase self-reliance. This will ensure the operational availability and reliability of these state-of-the-art, anti-submarine warfare capable helicopters which will provide long-term strength to the Navy’s maritime security.
New Delhi. Whenever the question of security has arisen on the sea border. Every now and then, India’s resolve has come together as a force. India has strengthened the operational capabilities of its Navy by signing a very important defense agreement worth Rs 7,995 crore with the US on Friday. This agreement has been signed for comprehensive maintenance and continuous support of the state-of-the-art MH-60R multi-role helicopters included in the Indian Navy’s fleet. In the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, the Defense Ministry signed two Letters of Offer and Acceptance with the US Government. This deal has been done under America’s Foreign Military Sales Program.
Main objective and provisions of the agreement
This huge sustainment support package will provide a robust framework to keep the Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopter fleet operational. The MH-60R helicopters are equipped with advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability and are among the key maritime assets India received from the US. It will now benefit from a comprehensive support system.
Main provisions of the agreement
• Supply and Training: Providing helicopter spare parts, support equipment, production support and technical assistance.
• Repairs and Supply: To ensure repair and prompt re-supply of essential parts.
• Foundation of self-reliance: An important part of this agreement is the establishment of intermediate level repair facilities and periodic maintenance inspection facilities in India.
Self-reliance and increased operational efficiency
According to defense experts, the strategic importance of this agreement is much greater. The development of repair and maintenance facilities in the country will strengthen India’s self-reliance in the long term, thereby reducing dependence on the US government for essential commodities. This move will also open new business opportunities for Indian MSMEs and other Indian companies in the field of defense products and services. Most importantly, this sustainment support package will significantly increase the operational availability of MH-60R helicopters. These state-of-the-art and all-weather capable helicopters will now be able to operate from various coastal bases and warships with greater ease and reliability.
