India Signs $964 Million Deal with US for MH60R Helicopter Sustainment Support.
India-US Deal for MH-60 Romeo Helicopter Maintenance.
India-US Deal for MH-60 Romeo Helicopters’ Maintenance: 28 November 2025 — In a significant development for India’s naval capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States for a comprehensive sustainment support package for the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH60R helicopters. The agreement, which is valued at approximately $964 million (₹7,995 crore), will cover a five-year period and will enhance the operational readiness of these advanced helicopters.
The deal, formalised under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on November 28, 2025. The sustainment support package will ensure the long-term functionality and availability of the MH60R helicopters, which are essential for a range of critical naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
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A Comprehensive Support Package
The sustainment support package includes provisions for spare parts, support equipment, technical and product support, training, and the repair and replenishment of components. Additionally, the Indian Navy will benefit from the establishment of “intermediate” level repair facilities within India, which will allow for periodic maintenance and inspections of the helicopters.
“This initiative aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, as it will not only reduce India’s dependence on foreign suppliers but also contribute to the development of indigenous capabilities,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Defence. The establishment of in-country repair facilities is expected to lead to the growth of Indian firms, including small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), in the defence sector.
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MH-60R Seahawk. (official photo).
Strengthening Operational Capability
The MH60R helicopters, renowned for their advanced capabilities, including all-weather operational performance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) features, have significantly bolstered the Indian Navy’s fleet since their acquisition. This new sustainment agreement is expected to ensure their operational availability across diverse missions and dispersed locations, including naval vessels.
“The support package will significantly enhance the operational availability and maintainability of these state-of-the-art helicopters,” the official added. “This will not only optimise their performance during primary missions such as ASW but also during secondary roles such as search and rescue, logistics support, and surveillance.”
MH-60R Seahawk. (official photo).
Strategic and Long-Term Benefits
The signing of the LOAs represents a key step towards enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence and aerospace sectors. By establishing domestic maintenance capabilities for the MH60R fleet, India aims to build long-term operational resilience and reduce dependency on external suppliers. The involvement of local MSMEs in the supply chain and repair operations further aligns with the government’s broader goals for defence sector modernisation and indigenisation.
This deal underscores the growing defence cooperation between India and the United States, which continues to strengthen under the umbrella of the US-India strategic partnership. The sustainment support agreement is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH60R helicopters remains mission-ready, operational, and equipped to handle a range of maritime security challenges in the region.