The silent threat below: Why Indian Navy needs many more ASW helicopters

India’s naval security faces a growing submarine threat from Pakistan and China. To counter this, the Indian Navy urgently needs to expand its anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet. While new MH-60R helicopters have been acquired, more are essential for protecting vast maritime interests. Accelerating indigenous helicopter programs is crucial to ensure frontline warships have integral airborne ASW capabilities, closing a critical gap as underwater threats escalate across the Indo-Pacific.