MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters are expected to arrive in July.

Why in news?

• The first batch of three MH-60R Multi-Role Helicopters is expected to arrive in India in the month of July 2022 in Kochi, Kerala.
• These three helicopters were already handed over by the US in 2021 but Indian pilots were using these helicopters for training purpose in Pensacola, San Diego and Florida of United States.
• The Indian Navy signed a contract agreement for these helicopters with the US.
• The MH-60R Multi-Role helicopters will replace Sea King 42/42A helicopters, which were decommissioned in the 1990s.
• They will operate from frontline ships and aircraft carriers and provide better surveillance, crucial traits of flexibility and assault capacity to India.
• In 2020, India signed a USD 2.2 billion deal for MH-60R helicopters built by Lockheed Martin during the visit of former U.S. President Donald Trump. All deliveries will be completed by 2025.