Indian Navy graduates first in-country batch of MH-60R 'Romeo' helicopter pilots as sixth arrives

The Indian Navy achieved another important milestone with successful completion of the maiden in-country pilot training for the multi-role MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopter at INS Garuda, Kochi. 

Rear Admiral Anshuman Chauhan, presented graduation parchments to the trainees, marking a crucial step towards strengthening India's self-reliance on this versatile platform, as affirmed by Southern Naval Command officials on Saturday, December 16.

Sixth Romeo arrives to serve Indian Navy’s might

Adding to this accomplishment, just a couple of days ago on December 14, Lockheed Martin, the US-based defence aerospace giant, announced the delivery of the sixth MH-60R "Romeo" helicopter to the Indian Navy. The company anticipates fulfilling India's entire order of these choppers by 2025. In a recent statement shared on social media, Lockheed Martin celebrated the momentous occasion, declaring, "Upon Indian shores, a hero arrives, elevating maritime security to greater heights. Another Romeo joins the Indian Navy's might, guarding land and water, day and night!" The American firm added, "MH60R helicopters are now available to the Indian Navy for operational requirements in India."

The Romeo is one of the recent acquisitions by the Indian Navy, and the first two MH-60R helicopters were received from the US Navy at a ceremony held in a US naval air base in San Diego back in July 2021.

An investment aiming to enhance naval capabilities saw the Indian government placing an order for 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopters in 2020, valued at $2.6 billion. This acquisition includes India-specific modifications and armaments, featuring Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedoes, to augment its already lethal anti-submarine warfare suite.

Adaptable Romeo

Beyond its primary role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the adaptable "Romeo" helicopters stand ready for tasks including maritime surveillance, counter-smuggling operations, anti-piracy duties, and search-and-rescue missions. These multirole choppers, according to sources, are either deployed or slated for deployment aboard the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. Notably, earlier this year, the MH-60R helicopters successfully executed landings on the indigenously constructed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and destroyer INS Kolkata.

The integration of the MH-60R "Romeo" helicopters with Indian Navy warships fortifies the nation's ASW capabilities, augmenting its prowess in monitoring maritime activities and executing surveillance operations. Around July last year, after a 10-month-long course, the first batch of Indian Navy aircrew completed their training at the US Navy base in San Diego, which, according to the navy, "included conversion training and other advanced qualifications on the MH-60R helicopter.”