Ahead of US President Donald Trump’s maiden visit to India, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved a $2.6-billion deal for buying 24 multi-role Naval helicopters. The deal is likely to be announced during Trump’s visit to India.
The helicopters manufactured by Lockheed Martin will be procured through the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) wherein the US Government will stand guarantee for all issues, including meeting time lines, spare parts and other contractual obligations. Incidentally, India and US defence trade has crossed the $18 billion mark in the last few years.
The 24 MH-60R Seahawks will replace the ageing Seaking and Kamov helicopters flown by the Indian Navy. The approval for buying new helicopters was given by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in 2018. At present, the Navy has 12 British made Seakings and ten odd Russian manufactured Kamovs.
These fourth-generation MH-60Rs “Romeos” helicopters will come loaded with both torpedoes and missiles which can be used to target submarines. A 30 per cent offset clause could be a part of the deal. The deal could include training, support, spares and air-to-ground weapons also.
From the day of signing the contract, these helicopters will be delivered in five years. India will pay an initial 15 per cent installment for the helicopters. The first lot of helicopters will be delivered in two years, sources said.
MH-60 was earlier selected through a competitive process for 16 helicopters with an optional clause for eight more, but the deal fell through due to pricing issues and other development leading to tender’s cancellation.
A tender for 24 MH-60 helicopters was floated again later and processed through the FMS route of the US Government.
India desperately needed the advanced helicopters to guard the strategically important Indian Ocean region where the Chinese maritime prowess is growing over the years with its submarines also posing a threat.
Another deal close to conclusion is of six additional AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Army to cost around $930 million. The IAF has already bought 22 Apache helicopters.
As regards the anti-missile shield, sources said, negotiations with the US are in advanced stage. The US Department of State has approved the potential sale of a $1.867 billion Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) to India.
The potential sale, which is being processed via the FMS route, is now before the U.S. Congress for consideration, with a 30-day window for Congress to raise any objections to the sale.
The Integrated Air Defence Weapon System, also known as the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), provides integrated air missile defence and is currently deployed around Washington. A similar shield will protect New Delhi.
The IADWS system includes radar, launchers, targeting, and guidance systems, advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) and Stinger missiles, and related equipment and support.