1st batch of MH-60R ‘Romeo’ pilots complete induction training in the US
In a significant step towards the induction of the MH-60R ‘Romeo’ multi-role helicopter into the Indian Navy, its first aircrew designated to operate the iconic American helicopter has completed its training for this purpose in the US.
“Indian Navy’s first batch of MH-60R ‘Romeo’ aircrew successfully completed their training at Naval Air Station, North Island, San Diego, USA on 01 April 2022. The 10-month long course included conversion training and other advanced qualifications on MH 60R helicopter. The crew flew extensively from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron – 41 (HSM 41) and achieved day and night deck landing qualification onboard a US Navy Destroyer,” the Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal announced on April 7.
“The crew would be responsible for inducting the versatile ‘Romeo’ into Indian Navy,” he added.
The first three of the 24 helicopters contracted by India were delivered to the Indian Navy in the US in 2021 to facilitate the training of Indian personnel. These helicopters is slated to arrive in India in May-June 2022. The remaining 21 helicopters are likely to be delivered in batches over the next two years.
India signed a Government-to-Government contract with the US in 2020 for 24 MH-60R helicopters through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) at an estimated cost of Rs 17,500 Crore in 2020 in a bid to modernise its ageing naval helicopter fleet and replace the Sea King helicopters. It took about 15 years for the Government to process this procurement after the Indian Navy moved the case as a critical operational necessity.
The American MH 60R helicopters will provide the Indian Navy with contemporary rotary capability for anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship strike, specialised maritime operations and search and rescue missions.
These twin-engined ship-borne choppers are armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, MK 54 torpedoes and advanced precision weapons.
The MH-60R is from the famed Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky stable of cutting-edge aircraft.
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