New Delhi, November 28, 2025 — India and the United States have signed letters of offer and acceptance under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme for a ₹7,995-crore, five-year sustainment support package for the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH-60R multi-role helicopters. The signing took place on Friday in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The agreement covers comprehensive sustainment, including provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training and technical assistance, repair and replenishment of components, and the establishment of intermediate-level component repair and periodic maintenance inspection facilities within India. The move aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting indigenous capability development and enabling Indian MSMEs and other domestic firms to participate in production and service support.

India had placed an order for 24 MH-60R helicopters from Lockheed Martin–Sikorsky in 2020 at a cost of approximately ₹17,500 crore to modernize its aging naval helicopter fleet. Of these, 15 have been delivered, with the remaining expected to arrive next year. The helicopters are equipped for anti-submarine warfare and can operate from frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers. They are armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, MK 54 torpedoes, and other advanced precision weapons.

The sustainment support is expected to significantly enhance the operational availability, maintainability, and reliability of the MH-60R fleet. It will allow the helicopters to operate from dispersed locations and naval ships efficiently, ensuring optimal performance during both primary and secondary missions.

According to the defence ministry, in-country development of maintenance and repair facilities will reduce dependence on the US and contribute to long-term capability building in India, supporting technological self-reliance in defence equipment management