Context:
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India and the United States have signed Letters of Agreement (LOAs) worth ₹7,995 crore to provide five-year sustainment support for the Indian Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.
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The agreement strengthens India–U.S. defence cooperation, enhances naval operational readiness, and advances Aatmanirbhar Bharat through in-country maintenance capabilities.
Key Highlights:
Agreement Details
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The deal covers comprehensive sustainment support for 24 MH-60R helicopters acquired by India in 2020 via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route at an estimated cost of USD 2.4 billion.
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Support includes:
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Spares and components
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Training and technical assistance
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Establishment of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in India
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Operational Significance of MH-60R
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MH-60R helicopters are all-weather, multi-role naval platforms with advanced capabilities in:
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Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
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Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
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Maritime surveillance and reconnaissance
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They can operate from naval ships and shore bases, improving flexibility and reach across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Indigenisation and Economic Impact
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The sustainment framework aims to reduce long-term dependence on U.S. government support by developing domestic MRO ecosystems.
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Expected to boost MSMEs and Indian defence firms, generating skilled employment and strengthening defence industrial capacity.
Broader Defence Cooperation
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The deal follows recent U.S. approvals for potential FMS to India, including Excalibur precision-guided projectiles and the Javelin missile system, reflecting deepening strategic trust.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Platform: MH-60R Seahawk – multi-role naval helicopter.
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Framework: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
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Policy Linkage: Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
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Value: ₹7,995 crore sustainment support for 5 years.
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Impact: Enhanced naval readiness and indigenous maintenance capability.
Relevant Mains Points:
International Relations (GS II):
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Defence sustainment as a pillar of India–U.S. strategic partnership.
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Shift from buyer–seller to life-cycle collaboration.
Internal Security (GS III):
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Strengthening maritime security and ASW capabilities amid regional challenges.
Economy & Defence Manufacturing (GS III):
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Indigenised sustainment lowers costs, improves uptime, and builds domestic capacity.
Way Forward:
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Expand technology transfer for deeper indigenisation.
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Integrate Indian industry into global defence supply chains.
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Ensure performance-based sustainment for higher availability.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS II: International Relations, defence diplomacy
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GS III: Internal Security, defence preparedness, economy
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Prelims: MH-60R, FMS, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, sustainment support