First Indian batch primed to fly 'Romeo' chopper

10-month training ended in US on April 1; Sikorsky to supply 24 fully built MH-60R naval helicopters, 99 more to be made in India

In an important first step towards addressing gaping combat capability shortfalls in its capital warships, the Indian Navy’s first batch of aircrew of its newly acquired MH 60R “Romeo” helicopter completed their training at the US Navy base in San Diego on April 1.

The 10 month-long course included conversion training and other advanced qualifications on the versatile and lethal MH 60R helicopter — which the navy has nicknamed the “Romeo”. The Indian pilots flew extensively from the US Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 and achieved day and night deck landing qualification on board a US Navy destroyer.

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