What is the purpose of MH-60R Naval choppers and AH-64E Apaches that India has bought
India signed deals with the US to procure MH-60R naval and AH-64E Apache helicopters. After Apache AH-64 advanced attack helicopter procurement, India is set to get the MH-60R seahawk and AH-64E.
MH-60 Romeo Helicopters
MH-60 multirole Rome helicopters are expected to help Indian Navy efforts to expand its role in the Indian Ocean region which was long-awaited by the Indian Navy. It is the most advanced naval helicopter in the world made by defense giant Lockheed Martin. According to the sources, it is the most capable anti-submarine warfare(ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (AsuW) multi-mission helicopter available in the world today.
It will add a great value to the Indian Navy as it can hunt down submarines at a strategic depth and its combat capability. It can launch Hellfire missile from left and right extended pylons. It is packed with an advanced system for passive detection, location, and identification of emitters. It can not only take and hunt ships but can also be used as an anti-submarine weapon.
Apache Helicopters
Six Apache helicopters worth $800 million will be received by the Indian Army soon. These six Apache choppers will be in addition to the 22 Apache helicopters that have already been ordered for the Air Force. These Apaches can operate at high altitudes and will be deployed along the Pakistan border. The Army is likely to get the helicopters armed with Stinger air-to-air missiles and Hellfire Longbow air-to-ground missiles. Among the Apache’s modern capabilities like the ability to shoot fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets, and other munitions. It also has modern electronic warfare capabilities to provide versatility in network-centric aerial warfare.
The choppers are all-weather capable and have high agility and survivability against battle damage. They can be easily maintained in field conditions as well as during operations in the tropical and desert regions.