Kochi: Indian Navy got a new squadron for its warfront with the commissioning of the world class MH Romeo Seahawks multi-role helicopters at INS Garuda here .

While speaking at the function on Wednesday, Naval chief Admiral R Harikumar said the squadron named as Naval Air Squadron 334 will be controlled at the Navy Headquarters in Kochi  

The Navy welcomed the four Romeo Helicopters by giving a water salute at Kochi, also the country’s oldest Indian Naval Air Station. Admiral Harikumar also said the significance of the Indian Navy is increasing with the rise in sea piracy and the presence of enemy submarines. With the arrival of the Naval Air Squadron 334, Indian Navy would become stronger, he said.

The Naval chief also honoured Squadron head Captain M Abhishek Ram during the function. Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh and INS Garuda Commanding Officer Commodore K Sri Vatsa were among those who participated in the function.

Sweet Romeo
With the looks of a beetle, the new Romeo helicopter can destroy enemy submarines and ships within minutes of detection. So it’s ‘sweet Romeo’ for the Navy. The MH 60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters are expected to act as sky guards for the Navy. The electronic screen seen by the pilot can be monitored at its Delhi headquarters as well.

Purchased for over Rs 14,000 Cr
The MH 60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters are purchased as per the India-US foreign military sales (FMS) contract which was signed by both the countries in February, 2020. India is spending over Rs 14,000 crore for the same.

The first three Romeos were brought to Kochi in 2021 for which training was given to the personnel in America.  Two more were brought via Kochi International Aerodrome on July 2, 2022, and another in August. As per the contract, the US will hand over 24 helicopters by 2025.

Weapons of Romeo

*Four torpedoes

*Air to Ground Missiles

*Air to Ground Rockets

Defensive Countermeasures
Romeo is expected to fight from the Navy’s forefront against the enemy missiles and bullets. There are also provisions to disperse flares and chaffs to prevent the detection and targeting by enemy missiles.