Missile that Killed Al Qaeda Chief to be Indian Navy’s Now

These contracts are expected to provide a significant boost to the Make in India initiative. In addition, the Indian defence ministry is reportedly close to finalizing a $300 million deal to equip the Indian Navy's 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters with advanced weaponry, including Hellfire missiles and Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedoes. The choppers were leased from the US in 2020 for $2 billion and will be capable of carrying out operations once armed with these weapons. Negotiations for the deal are reportedly in the advanced stages, and it is expected to be completed under Foreign Military Sales. The Indian Navy will be equipped with Hellfire missiles, which have been used to target high-profile terrorists such as Al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, as well as Mark 54 torpedoes used by US surface ships and helicopters. These 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, were secured by the Indian government in a Rs 16,000-crore deal with their US counterparts two years ago, and will replace the Sea King helicopters. They will be able to operate from aircraft carriers and cruisers.