India’s Navy is purchasing at least 16 S-70B SEAHAWK helicopters from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

India plans to use the helicopters in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, among other maritime roles. Sikorsky said they may purchase another eight aircraft, along with a complete logistics support and training program.

“India’s selection of the S-70B helicopter represents a major strategic win for Sikorsky in an important growth

market, and positions us well for future opportunities,” said Mick Maurer, president of Sikorsky Aircraft.

“We look forward to a long-term collaboration with the Indian government and local industry as we work to bring the Indian Navy the highly advanced multi-role S-70B aircraft.”

The S-70B aircraft will also enhance the Indian Navy’s non-combat maritime roles, including search and rescue, utility and external cargo lift, surveillance and casualty evacuation.

Sikorsky has fielded increasingly more capable variants of the S-70B helicopter since 1984. They are now used by navies in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Latin America.

Sikorsky’s aircraft completion center is in Coatesville.

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Top photo credit: U.S. Pacific Fleet via photopin cc