Since the Sikorsky S-70B was accepted by the Indian Navy, how optimistic are you about the fresh tender for 24 multi-role helicopters that is to be issued soon?

We view it as a positive sign that the procurement of 24 maritime multi-role helicopters for the Indian Navy is gaining momentum. It is an important programme that can quickly provide India with the latest and most proven Anti-Surface/Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASuW/ASW) technologies available. Now that the procurement options have been opened up to include the MH-60R, we are looking for ways to leverage that hot production line to expedite delivery to the Indian Navy.

The significant investments made into the MH-60R by the US Navy and industry provide the unique assurance that it has undertaken the most rigorous testing. The US Navy has a robust roadmap to add capabilities to the MH-60R as the aircraft will be in their fleet for several decades. With over 450 Seahawks flying around the world and millions of flight hours, the expertise that Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin is able to offer is unmatched.

The deal for 123 naval multi-role helicopters and the 111 naval utility helicopters will be under the Strategic Partnership (SP) model. What are your plans for these two different sets of procurement since the AON for the latter has already been accorded?

Sikorsky and its parent Lockheed Martin have been pioneers in developing meaningful and durable relationships and investments with the Indian industry. Carefully crafted, the SP model should provide India with the assurances of job creation and self-sufficiency, similar to the partnerships Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin have emulated in Japan, Korea and Turkey for example. The benefits are mutual and we are excited to continue