MH-60 'Romeo' Seahawk helicopters

Currently deployed with the US Navy as the primary anti-submarine warfare anti-surface weapon system for open ocean and littoral zones, the helicopters are considered the world's most advanced maritime helicopter.

According to industry experts, it is the most capable naval helicopter available today designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.

MH-60 Romeo Seahawks would add lethal capabilities of the Indian Navy, which experts say is the need of the hour given the aggressive behaviour of China in the Indian Ocean region.

Seahawks would add lethal capabilities of the Indian Navy, which experts say is the need of the hour given the aggressive behaviour of China in the Indian Ocean region. According to US Naval Air System Command, the MH-60R Seahawk missions are anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, communications relay, combat search and rescue, naval gunfire support and logistics support.

As the Navy's next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk is considered to be the cornerstone of the Navy's Helicopter Concept of Operations.

The Apaches

It can fly up to a speed of around 290 km/hour. It can effect an attack in 30 seconds. It can climb at a rate of 889 metres in a minute. Its endurance is 3 hours 9 minutes. It can allow missile to perform in full 'fire and forget' mode. Firing range is 8 to 12km. It can fire 625 rounds in a minute. Also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1,200 rounds as part of area weapon subsystem.

The new fleet of Apache helicopters will be part of 125-Helicopter squadron, popularly called “Gladiators” of the IAF.

It has the capability to shoot, fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets and ammunition.

Apache has modern electronic warfare capabilities to provide versatility in a network-centric aerial warfare.

The ability of these helicopters to transmit and receive battlefield pictures to and from the weapon systems through data networking adds to its lethality.

The helicopter would have significant capability in mountainous terrains. It has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground.

The induction of the Apaches will enhance the capability of IAF in providing integrated combat aviation cover to Army strike corps.

NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that India will buy $3 billion worth of military equipment, including attack helicopters, as the two countries deepen defence and commercial ties in an attempt to balance the weight of China in the region.Trump said his visit had been productive with the conclusion of deals to buy helicopters for the Indian military. According to reports, India is buying 24 SeaHawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin equipped with Hellfire missiles worth $2.6 billion and also plans a follow-on order for six Apache helicopters.Designed for hunting submarines as well as knocking out ships and conducting search-and-rescue operations at sea, the Lockheed Martin-built helicopters would replenish India's aging fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters.The Apache helicopters have significant capability in mountainous terrain. They can carry out precision attacks at stand-off ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground.