India kjøper Sikorsky MH-60R, samme type Norge bør ha som fregatthelikopter. (Red.)
New Delhi sets stage for
24 MH-60R FMS deal
27 AUGUST, 2018 - SOURCE:
FLIGHTGLOBAL.COM - BY: GREG WALDRON - SINGAPORE
India’s Defence
Acquisition Council (DAC) has taken a step toward the possible acquisition of
24 Lockheed Martin Sikorsky MH-60R anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.
The news came in a defence
ministry announcement that the DAC has earmarked INR460 billion ($6.4 billion)
for new military equipment including helicopters for the navy and artillery for
the army.
The package includes INR210
billion for 111 utility helicopters for the navy, which call for rotorcraft in
the 5t class.
In addition, the announcement
sets the stage for the acquisition of 24 11-12t ASW helicopters under the MRH
(multi-role helicopter) requirement.
“To enhance the capability of
navy at sea, approval has also been granted for procurement of Anti-Submarine
capable, 24 in number Multi Role Helicopters, which are an integral part of the
frontline warships like the aircraft Carriers, destroyers, frigates and
corvettes. Availability of MRH with the Navy would plug the existing capability
gap,” says the statement.
New Delhi had selected the S-70B
for this requirement in 2014. At the time, the plan was to order 16 rotorcraft
with eight on option.
The acquisition has changed,
however, to 24 firm orders, with the MH-60R to be offered instead of the S-70B.
In addition, the updated deal will be conducted under the auspices of the US
government’s foreign military sale (FMS) process.
“Lockheed Martin is confident
the MH-60R “Romeo” is the right aircraft for India’s Navy,” says the US defence
contractor.
“We stand ready to support India
and the United States for a government-to-government procurement of 24 MH-60R
helicopters as part of the Multi Role Helicopter program. The MH-60R will
provide a vital capability for the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Sikorsky’s main rival for the
MRH requirement was the NH Industries NH90, but this type reportedly fell out
of contention for the deal.
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