Indian Navy’s ‘Romeo’ Helicopter: A Deadly Hunter of Enemies Hidden in the Deep Sea

New Delhi: In a major boost to its maritime combat capability, the Indian Navy is set to commission the second squadron of MH‑60R multi‑role helicopters, popularly known as ‘Romeo’, on December 17 at INS Hansa, Goa. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi is expected to attend the commissioning ceremony of INAS 335.

The induction of the second Romeo squadron significantly strengthens India’s naval warfare readiness, especially at a time when Chinese naval activity has increased sharply in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). These state‑of‑the‑art helicopters are designed to meet the demands of future maritime warfare, combining advanced weapons, sensors, and surveillance systems.

Built for Conventional and Modern Warfare

The US‑made MH‑60R Seahawk, also called Romeo, is equipped with a modern avionics suite, advanced sensors, and weapon integration points. It is capable of operating in conventional warfare, asymmetric combat scenarios, and complex maritime environments, making it one of the most versatile helicopters in the Indian Navy’s fleet.

A Game‑Changer in Anti‑Submarine Warfare

With the arrival of the second squadron, the Navy’s anti‑submarine warfare (ASW) capability receives a major upgrade. The Romeo helicopters are specifically designed to detect, track, and destroy enemy submarines lurking deep beneath the sea. In addition to ASW, they are equally effective in surface strike missions, maritime surveillance, and search‑and‑rescue operations, establishing them as a true multi‑role platform.

Armed to Strike, Equipped to Survive

MH‑60R helicopters can fire torpedoes, missiles, and advanced precision‑guided rockets. They are also fitted with infrared threat detection and self‑defence systems, which automatically activate to protect the aircraft from enemy attacks.

Their importance has grown manifold as China continues to expand its naval footprint in the Indian Ocean, deploying submarines and surface combatants. Romeo helicopters can operate seamlessly from destroyers, frigates, and aircraft carriers, greatly enhancing the Navy’s strike reach and surveillance dominance.

No Escape for Enemy Submarines

The helicopters are equipped with advanced sonar systems capable of detecting threats in deep and shallow waters. Their sonobuoy launch systems allow long‑range detection and continuous tracking of hostile submarines, making escape nearly impossible for underwater adversaries.

Deployment Across Key Naval Platforms

The MH‑60R helicopters will be deployed aboard India’s frontline platforms, including aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, as well as modern stealth destroyers and advanced frigates. The expanded fleet is expected to deliver a decisive edge to the Indian Navy’s maritime dominance.