Lockheed Martin unveils Indian Navy's lethal Romeo anti-submarine warfare helicopter
Lockheed Martin shared the first photo of the first picture of the MH-60 Romeo multi-role helicopter for the Indian Navy in Indian colours
In May, Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, signed a contract to build the MH-60R for the Indian Navy,,The accelerated delivery plan was attributed to the growing activities of the Chinese navy in the Indian Ocean
Designed for hunting submarines as well as knocking out ships and conducting search-and-rescue operations at sea, the Lockheed Martin-built helicopters would replace India's aging fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters.
The $2.6 billion deal, for the 24 MH-60R helicopters, envisaged the sale of anti-submarine torpedoes, Hellfire anti-ship missiles, and a guided rocket system to attack small boats. The MH-60R's sensors, including sonars, radar, and optical systems, will provide a quantum leap in detection capability to the Indian Navy
According to the details available on the official website of Lockheed Martin the MH-60 Romeo multi-role helicopter is equipped with the following features:

• Spotting underwater enemies

• Detecting and engaging enemy threats

• Sharing information with other assets to defeat the threat

• Switching missions with ease

• Living on ships and operating from shore

• Multitasking

• Lifting heavy cargo

• Surviving the most extreme weather


According to industry experts, it is the most capable naval helicopter available today designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers.
The MH-60R helicopters will be the first new western heavy anti-submarine helicopters to enter Indian Navy service after the British-supplied Sea King first entered service in July 1971. The Sea King remains in service with the Indian Navy but in dwindling numbers.

The Indian Navy could end up buying far more than 24 MH-60R helicopters; the Indian Navy has a requirement for 123 such heavy-duty helicopters.

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