Lockheed pushes more MH-60R Seahawks for India

American defense contractor Lockheed Martin is advocating for India to significantly increase its fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, describing them as a critical force multiplier for the Indian Navy. The company argues that additional Seahawks would substantially enhance India's anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and surveillance capabilities amid growing submarine threats in the Indian Ocean region. India currently has 24 MH-60R helicopters under a $2.6 billion deal signed in 2020, with deliveries expected to be completed by 2026, replacing the Navy's aging Sea King fleet. The push comes as India continues to modernize its maritime defense posture through major acquisitions like the recent $3.5 billion P-8I aircraft deal.