The growing submarine presence of China and Pakistan has intensified the need for India to strengthen its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, with naval helicopters emerging as a critical requirement for securing the country's maritime interests.
The undersea domain has become an increasingly contested arena of modern warfare, where submarines equipped with advanced weaponry and stealth capabilities can operate underwater for extended periods. Pakistan has already inducted the first of eight submarines being built by China, while the Chinese navy operates a fleet of more than 60 submarines, according to the Observer Research Foundation.
Helicopters central to anti-submarine operations
Naval helicopters serve as the primary anti-submarine assets for surface fleets. Fitted with dipping sonars, sonobuoys, magnetic anomaly detectors and lightweight torpedoes, they significantly enhance a warship's ability to locate, monitor and engage underwater threats.
Without sufficient helicopter support, even advanced destroyers and frigates face increased vulnerability from submarines operating beyond the range of onboard detection systems.
Indian Navy's MH-60R Seahawk capability
The Indian Navy currently operates the MH-60R Seahawk, a multi-mission maritime helicopter developed by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin and designed for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. The platform provides combat and logistics support from destroyers, frigates and aircraft carriers.
The helicopter is operated by a crew of three to four personnel and is powered by two General Electric T700 series turboshaft engines. It can achieve a maximum speed of 180 knots, has a range of approximately 830 kilometres and a service ceiling of 12,000 feet.
The MH-60R is equipped with a multi-mode maritime surveillance radar, Airborne Low-Frequency Dipping Sonar, sonobuoy acoustic sensors, forward-looking infrared systems and advanced electronic warfare equipment. Its integrated mission system combines information from onboard sensors to create a comprehensive picture of surface and underwater activity, enabling crews to detect, track and engage hostile vessels and submarines.
Its armament includes Mk 54 and Mk 46 lightweight torpedoes, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System rockets and crew-served machine guns. The helicopter can carry a payload of up to 2,700 kilograms.
