
Copter deal okayed ahead of Trump trip
Why is it in news?
- Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on Wednesday and cleared the procurement of 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopters for the Navy worth around $2.4 billion.
More in news
- More about the deal
(1) MH-60R was earlier selected through a competitive process for 16 helicopters, with an option for eight more.
(2) But the deal fell through owing to pricing issues and other developments. Thereafter, the tender was cancelled.
(3)b A fresh tender for 24 MH-60R helicopters was floated later and processed through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route of the U.S. government.
- MH-60R Helicopter
(1) The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk (or Sea Hawk) is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter.
(2) The helicopter is equipped for a range of missions including
(a) anti-submarine warfare (ASW),
(b) anti-surface warfare (ASuW),
(c) search-and-rescue (SAR),
(d) naval gunfire support (NGFS),
(f) surveillance,
(g) communications relay,
(h) logistics support and
(i) personnel transfer and vertical replenishment (VERTREP).
(3) It is the most capable naval helicopter available today designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.
Source
The Hindu