India, US sign Rs 7,995 crore deal for MH60R fleet support

Ministry of Defence on Friday here signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the Government of the United States (US) for sustainment support of the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH60R helicopters through Follow-on Support and Follow-on Supply Support for a period of five years at an approximate value of Rs 7,995 crore.

The LOAs were inked under the Foreign Military Sales programme of the US, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Sustainment Support is a comprehensive package which includes provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training and technical support, repair and replenishment of components and setting up of ‘Intermediate’ level component repairs and Periodic Maintenance Inspection facilities in India.

In-country development of these facilities will ensure capability build-up in the long run and reduced dependence on the US Government, thus aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

This would further lead to indigenous product and services development through MSMEs and other Indian firms.

The sustainment support would significantly enhance the operational availability and maintainability of the technologically advanced, all-weather capable MH60R helicopters, which also have Anti-Submarine Warfare capability, acquired through the US Government.

In addition, the support would enable the operation of these helicopters from dispersed locations as well as ships, ensuring optimal performance during all their primary and secondary missions/roles.