India inks pact with US for sustainmentsupport of Navy’s MH-60R helicopters

 

 

 

IN A bid to ensure domestic capability build-up in the long run, the Centre on Friday said it has signed a Rs 7,995 crore agreement with the United States for sustainment support of the Indian Navy’s fleet of MH60R helicopters through Follow-on Support and Follow-on Supply Support for a period of five years.

 

The Ministry of Defence said, in a statement, that it has signed Letters of  Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) with the US Government under the Foreign Military Sales programme of the US, in the presence of  Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singhhere.

 

Sustainment Support is acomprehensive package which 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. In-country development of these facilities will ensure capability buildup in the long run and reduced dependence on the US, thus aligning with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Government said.

 

The sustainment support would significantly enhance the operational availability and maintainability of the technologically advanced, all weather capable MH60R helicopters.