Yamraj of enemy submarines! MH-60R Romeo helicopter joins Navy

Another big chapter has been added to the strength of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy has officially commissioned its second MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopter squadron, INS-335 ‘Ospreys’, at INS Hansa, Goa. This ceremony was attended by Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Happened in the presence of Tripathi. The deployment of this squadron will not only strengthen the maritime surveillance capability of the Navy, but will also give a new edge to India’s strategic hold in the Indian Ocean region.

The commissioning of IANS-335 is being considered a decisive step towards the goal of modernization of the Indian Navy and self-reliant military capability. This squadron is based on the experience and operational data of already operational MH-60R helicopters, which have proven their usefulness on many occasions. For the Navy, this helicopter has emerged as not just a flying platform, but an ‘eye, ear and first hunter’ that keeps an eye on every threat in the sea.

INAS-335 Commanding Officer Captain Dhirendra Bisht said that the introduction of this squadron will significantly increase the operational readiness of the Navy. He says that MH-60R is a multi-role helicopter, which plays a decisive role in maritime surveillance, strike missions and undersea warfare. This platform has the ability to thwart every move of the enemy by providing real-time information to the fleet in case of war.

MH-60R ‘Romeo’ is counted among the most modern naval helicopters in the world. It is capable of operating in all weather conditions, both day and night. Its advanced avionics, state-of-the-art sensors and long flight capability make it extremely lethal. According to senior pilot Lieutenant Commander Prakhar Bhargava, this helicopter gives the Indian Navy an unprecedented edge in missions like anti-submarine warfare, surface surveillance and search and rescue.

Talking about weapons, MH-60R is no less than a flying arsenal. Hellfire missiles, Mark-54 torpedoes, rockets and machine guns can be deployed in it. Apart from this, state-of-the-art dipping sonar, sonobuoy launch system and multi-mode radar make it capable of detecting enemy submarines hidden in the depths of the sea. This capability can prove to be a game changer in the security of India’s maritime borders.

MH-60R is also very strong on the self-defense front. It is equipped with security equipment like infrared countermeasures, chaff-flare system, which automatically activates as soon as danger is sensed. This helicopter can take-off and landing from aircraft carriers like INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. That means, be it sea or coast, the Indian Navy gets operational freedom on every front.

Technically also the MH-60R is very impressive. This helicopter, manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin, is 64 feet 10 inches long and its maximum weight with weapons reaches 10,659 kg. Its top speed is 260 kilometers per hour. With the deployment of IANS-335, the overall aviation capability of the Indian Navy has got a tremendous boost and is a clear indication that India’s security at sea is going to become more impenetrable.