During a commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, the Indian Navy officially welcomed its first squadron of MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters into its fleet, marking a significant advancement in the country's maritime security and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, as emphasized by Navy Chief Admiral R Harikumar.
Admiral Harikumar underscored the importance of the MH 60R Seahawk helicopters, describing them as among the world's most powerful multi-role helicopters. He emphasized their pivotal role in bolstering India's maritime strength and safeguarding national interests, particularly with their advanced sensors and versatile mission capabilities.
Speaking at the event held in Kochi, Admiral Harikumar reaffirmed the Indian Navy's unwavering commitment to protecting and advancing the nation's maritime interests. He emphasized how the MH 60Rs would elevate maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, thereby reinforcing India's maritime security framework.
The commissioning ceremony took place at INS Garuda in Kochi, where the INAS 334 'Seahawks' naval air squadron was officially inaugurated. Captain M Abhishek Ram leads the MH 60R Naval Air Squadron.
The MH 60R Seahawk, a maritime iteration of the Blackhawk helicopter, is engineered to excel in various operations such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
Admiral Harikumar praised the officers and personnel of 'The Seahawks' for their role in commissioning INAS 334. He applauded the squadron's rapid integration into the Fleet and encouraged Navy personnel to maintain their dedication to excellence, ensuring readiness to safeguard the nation's waters, and promoting safety, security, and stability.
