India looks to buy anti-submarine choppers 'Romeo' from US for $2 billion

If sources are to be believed, Indian government will soon add 24 multi-role MH-60 Romeo anti-submarine helicopters from United States into its artillery. Defence industry sources on Friday revealed that the deal is expected to be finalized in coming next months and will cost nearly $2 billion. Recently, US Vice President Mike Pence held a successful meeting with PM Narendra Modi in Singapore during the summit. In fact, the bilateral defence relationship was on the top agenda of the meeting between PM Narendra modi and Mr Pence in Singapore.  

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A source said, India also sent a letter of request to the US as ‘urgent Requirement’ for 24 multi-role MH-60 Romeo anti-submarine helicopters. US Navy is already deployed with such anti-submarine warfare-surface weapon system for open-ocean and littoral zones. Lockheed Martin's MH-60R Seahawk is one of the most advanced maritime helicopters.  As per defence industry experts, these anti-submarine helicopters are the most capable naval helicopter designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers. Adding this weaponry into the fleet, it will definitely add to the lethal capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Another source said, "With this Seahawk deal the overall US-India defence trade will surpass $20 billion. The pipeline of opportunities for US defence firms can result in another $5 billion of sales in the next few years’’. In recent times, considerable growth in defence sector can be seen between the two nations, since the Trump administration had opened its arms for the military need of India.

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Meanwhile, it is expected that PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump to hold a bilateral meeting in Argentina on the sidelines of G20 Meeting on November 30 and December 31.