By N. C. Bipindra

New Delhi: In a major push toward strengthening the Indian Navy’s rotary-wing capabilities, India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two key Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the United States government for long-term sustainment support of the Navy’s MH-60R “Romeo” multi-role helicopters.

The agreements, worth approximately INR 7,995 crore, were concluded in New Delhi on November 28, 2025, under Washington’’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, according to an MoD statement.

The MH-60R fleet, acquired from the US defence major Lockheed Martin as part of India’s efforts to modernise its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capacity, will receive comprehensive Follow-on Support and Follow-on Supply Support over the next five years.

MoD officials said the package covers a full spectrum of sustainment measures, including spares provisioning, advanced support equipment, training modules, technical assistance, and repair and replenishment services.

Significantly, the agreement also paves the way for establishing intermediate-level component repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities within India.

This localisation effort is expected to strengthen long-term self-reliance, reduce turnaround times, and limit the Navy’s dependence on US-based support infrastructure.

The move also aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision by creating new opportunities for domestic MSMEs and defence manufacturers to participate in high-technology sustainment processes.

The Navy currently operates MH-60R helicopters across both ship-based and coastal deployments. With enhanced sustainment, officials expect a substantial jump in operational availability, especially during critical missions such as anti-submarine, anti-surface, and search-and-rescue operations.

The Romeo helicopter is considered one of the most advanced maritime helicopters globally, capable of operating in challenging weather and mission conditions.

The new support agreement will also allow the Navy to deploy the fleet more flexibly across dispersed bases and frontline warships, ensuring optimal performance and readiness across all primary and secondary roles.

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