Biden administration’s game-changing defense deal with India

Just weeks before the completion of his presidential term, outgoing President Joe Biden approved a significant sale of defense equipment to India. He informed Congress about the decision on Monday.
The US has authorized the sale of MH-60R multi-mission helicopter equipment and related equipment at a cost of US$1.17 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency told Congress it would enhance India’s submarine warfare capabilities by deterring current and future threats.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States, helping to strengthen the United States – India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defense partner that is vital to political stability, peace and security.” “There remains significant strength and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions,” DSCA said.

It also included advanced data transfer systems; external fuel tank; AN/AAS 44C(V) Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) System; an operator machine interface assistant; additional containers; study, design, construct, and support facilities; support and test tools; Munitions; and integration and testing support.

The main contractors for this deal will be Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems.

Implementation of this sale will require 20 U.S. Government or 25 contractor representatives to temporarily travel to India to provide technical assistance and management oversight.

India’s defense got a modern twist on March 6 this year as the Indian Navy commissioned the newly inducted MH60R Seahawk, a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter, at INS Garuda, Kochi.

Here are some of the key features of the MH-60R helicopters:

1. Advanced digital sensors include multi-mode radar, electronic support measures system, electro-optical/infrared camera, datalink, aircraft survivability system, dipping sonar and sonobuoy.
2. The fully integrated mission system processes sensor data to create a complete situational picture of the ocean surface and subsea area.
3. With actionable knowledge, crews can track, target, and engage ships or submarines effectively and efficiently.
4. Weapons include torpedoes, air-to-ground missiles and rockets, and crew-served guns.

According to Business Standard, the MH-60Rs destined for the Indian Navy are equipped with special systems tailored to Indian requirements and have reportedly been customized, including identification friend-or-foe (IFF) transponders from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Involves adding units. ,

Lockheed is also collaborating with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to integrate such systems. As stated on their website, Lockheed Martin’s performance-based logistics program for U.S. Navy MH-60R helicopters enables 95 percent flight readiness and availability – a rate unmatched by other Marine helicopters.

330 MH-60rs are in operation worldwide. Including the Indian Navy, these helicopters are in operation with the US Navy, Royal Danish Navy, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Saudi Naval forces. These helicopters are additionally designed for search, rescue, medical evacuation, command, control, and vertical replenishment missions.