NEW DELHI – The US has approved the sale of 24 multi-role MH-60R Seahawkmaritime helicopters to India at an estimated cost of USD 2.6 billion, theState Department has announced, boosting the Indian Navy’s anti-surface andanti-submarine warfare operations as China expands its presence in theIndian Ocean.

Designed for hunting submarines as well as knocking out ships andconducting search-and-rescue operations at sea, the Lockheed Martin-builthelicopters, would replace India’s aging fleet of British-made Sea Kinghelicopters.

The Trump Administration on Tuesday notified the Congress that it hasapprove sale of 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters, which will provide theIndian defence forces the capability to perform anti-surface andanti-submarine warfare missions.

The helicopters are designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisersand aircraft carriers.

In its notification, the State Department told the Congress that thisproposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of theUS by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship.