GUWAHATI: The Modi 2.0 Government has announced a deal of Rs.17,500 crore with the United States of America for naval helicopters by the end of 2019, according to a report by the Hindustan Times.
India will be buying 24 Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters to strengthen its navy’s anti-submarine/anti-surface welfare and surveillance capabilities.
The multi-role helicopter (MRH) is being purchased under the US government's foreign military sales (FMS) programme.
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The new MRHs' are being bought as a replacement for the Sea King 42/42A fleet, which went out of service nearly 20 years ago.
Based on the report, the signing of the purchase will be concluded by October-November and the expected deliveries will begin 18 months after the contract is signed. The Navy should be getting the helicopters by 2022.