An MH-60R Seahawk conducts sonar operations. Credit: US Navy.

The Indian Navy’s first MH-60R production helicopter has conducted its maiden flight in Owego, New York.

The milestone was announced by the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) via Twitter.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

NAVAIR tweeted: “The first India production aircraft takes flight in Owego, NY. India will receive a total of 24 aircraft. #BZ to the #NAVAIR PMA-299 team on securing three FMS cases in calendar year 2020.”

It was carried out at Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) plant.

Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky Aircraft is under contract to produce the MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission naval helicopter.

In February last year, India and the US signed a deal for the procurement of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Indian Navy.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Under the $2.12bn deal, 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will be purchased to replace the Sea King helicopters.

Out of the 24 choppers, delivery of the first six is expected to take place this year.

The MH-60 is expected to fill the Indian Navy’s requirement gaps. The navy currently owns a few ageing Sea King and Kamov choppers.

The MH-60R integrates advanced mission systems and sensors developed by Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training (MST).

The helicopters are designed to conduct a range of operations, such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, vertical replenishment, surveillance, search and rescue, personnel transport, and logistics support.

In August last year, Sikorsky Australia won a through-life sustainment support contract for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) MH-60R (Romeo) helicopters.