Major Shaitan Singh
SENIOR MEMBER
![](/styles/default/xenforo/ranks/Lt.Colonel.jpg)
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2010
- Messages
- 3,550
- Reaction score
- 43
- Country
- Location
India will enter negotiations with Sikorsky for 16 S-70B Seahawk helicopters for the country’s long-running Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) requirement.
“Negotiations will now begin to procure 16 S-70B Seahawk helicopters, with an option for eight additional aircraft, along with a complete logistics support and training program,” says Sikorsky in a statement.
The helicopters will be equipped for the antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (AsuW) roles, serving both from warships and land bases.
In an interview with Flightglobal in November, the president of Sikorsky’s defence business, Sam Metha, said that its India offer would be similar to the teaming model used in its sale of 109 S-70s to Turkey, in that India will have broad remit to integrate locally-developed systems aboard the helicopter.
In regard to offsets it will offer related to the India programme, Mehta said the company is looking at supportability and follow on support.
“We want to make sure there is organic support capability in India,” he said. “Logistics to and from India could be challenging, and maritime helicopters place a high emphasis on availability.”
Sikorksy’s main rival for the MRH requirement was the NH Industries NH90.
Mehta adds that Sikorsky is also interested in New Delhi’s follow on Naval Multi-Role Helicopter (NMRH) competition for over 120 naval helicopters.
India taps S-70B for MRH negotiations - 12/8/2014 - Flight Global
“Negotiations will now begin to procure 16 S-70B Seahawk helicopters, with an option for eight additional aircraft, along with a complete logistics support and training program,” says Sikorsky in a statement.
The helicopters will be equipped for the antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (AsuW) roles, serving both from warships and land bases.
In an interview with Flightglobal in November, the president of Sikorsky’s defence business, Sam Metha, said that its India offer would be similar to the teaming model used in its sale of 109 S-70s to Turkey, in that India will have broad remit to integrate locally-developed systems aboard the helicopter.
In regard to offsets it will offer related to the India programme, Mehta said the company is looking at supportability and follow on support.
“We want to make sure there is organic support capability in India,” he said. “Logistics to and from India could be challenging, and maritime helicopters place a high emphasis on availability.”
Sikorksy’s main rival for the MRH requirement was the NH Industries NH90.
Mehta adds that Sikorsky is also interested in New Delhi’s follow on Naval Multi-Role Helicopter (NMRH) competition for over 120 naval helicopters.
India taps S-70B for MRH negotiations - 12/8/2014 - Flight Global