India, US sign MH-60R helicopter support pact despite tariff row
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Ministry of Defence on Friday signed Letters of Offer and Acceptance with the government of the US for five-year sustainment support of the Indian Navy’s MH-60R helicopter fleet, a deal valued at approximately Rs 7,995 crore, in a significant boost to defence cooperation between the two nations.
The LOAs were inked under the Foreign Military Sales programme of the US, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said.
The deal aims to provide comprehensive support, including spares, technical support, training, and periodic maintenance facilities in India.
The deal aims to provide comprehensive support, including spares, technical support, training, and periodic maintenance facilities in India, it said.
MoD said in a statement that the sustainment support is a comprehensive package that includes provisioning of spares, support equipment, product support, training and technical support, repair, and replenishment of components and setting up of ‘Intermediate’ level component repairs and Periodic Maintenance Inspection facilities in India.
The development of these facilities will ensure capability build-up in the long run and reduced dependence on the US Government, thus aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
It would further lead to indigenous product and services development through MSMEs and other Indian firms.
The sustainment support would significantly enhance the operational availability and maintainability of the technologically advanced, all-weather capable MH60R helicopters, which also have Anti-Submarine Warfare capability, acquired through the US government.
The support would enable the operation of these helicopters from dispersed locations as well as ships, ensuring optimal performance during all their primary and secondary missions/roles.
The announcement came after the recent turbulence in trade relations between India and the US.
US imposed tariffs as high as 50% on many Indian exports, triggered panic and raising concerns over economic ties.
