Indian Navy selects Sikorsky S-70B

Abstract

Installed mission equipment will include a 360° maritime search radar, air-to-surface missiles, sonar and torpedoes.

Sikorsky's S-70B Seahawk has been selected by the Indian Navy to meet its Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) requirement. Sikorsky's commercial bid was opened at the Ministry of Defence on 4 December ('Navy Day'), following which would be contractual negotiations for the procurement of 16 S-70Bs to the Indian Navy, with options on a further eight helicopters. The contract will also include a comprehensive logistics support and training programme. This type will finally replace the Indian Navy's long-serving Sea King fleet, for which the replacement programme has now been ongoing for a decade.

The Seahawks will be employed in the anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare roles, serving both from warships and land bases. Installed mission equipment will include a 360° maritime search radar, air-to-surface missiles, sonar and torpedoes. President of Sikorsky's defence business, Sam Mehta has said that company's offer to India would be similar to the teaming model used in the sale of 109 S-70s to Turkey. The Indian Navy's long term requirement involves more than 120 additional maritime helicopters.