Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi announced the possibility of acquiring additional MH-60R Seahawks following the induction of 24 units, emphasizing a flexible procurement strategy to maintain operational readiness while evaluating domestic development timelines. This approach aims to address immediate naval needs in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, while simultaneously nurturing indigenous capabilities with projects like the Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Navy’s dual-track strategy underscores the importance of balancing immediate combat capabilities through imports while fostering self-reliance in the long term, ensuring readiness against evolving maritime challenges. This pragmatic stance reflects India’s commitment to enhancing its naval aviation capabilities while supporting local industry initiatives.