India and US Seal ₹7,995 Crore Deal for Advanced Navy Helicopters: What This Means for Defense Collaboration

India has reached a significant deal with the United States, worth ₹7,995 crore, to support the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH-60R helicopters. This agreement, finalized on November 28, 2025, is a step forward in improving the Navy’s operational effectiveness over the next five years.

The contract is part of the US Foreign Military Sales program, which streamlines defense equipment sales to allied nations. During the signing ceremony in New Delhi, India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, emphasized the importance of this agreement.

The support package includes essential spare parts, technical assistance, training, and the setup of local repair facilities. This aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By enhancing local production capabilities, India aims to build long-term operational capacity and involve domestic firms in the process.

The MH-60R helicopters, made by Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky, are advanced multi-role aircraft. They excel in anti-submarine warfare and can operate under various conditions from different naval ships, including frigates and aircraft carriers.

India ordered 24 of these helicopters in 2020, with a contract value of around ₹17,500 crore. So far, 15 of these helicopters have been delivered, with the rest expected soon. The new support is set to increase their availability and effectiveness, allowing the Navy to deploy them from multiple locations for diverse missions.

This move is part of a larger strategy to strengthen India’s defense relationship with the U.S., reflecting a shared focus on enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region. In a recent survey, 70% of defense experts noted increasing collaborations between India and the U.S. as vital for regional stability.

With this deal, the Indian Navy aims to modernize its capabilities and be fully prepared for future challenges. As global defense dynamics change, countries like India are stepping up efforts to ensure their military is well-equipped and self-sufficient.

For more about the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, you can visit the U.S. Department of Defense.

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