Indian Navy successfully tests indigenous naval anti ship missile.

According to information published by the Indian MoD on November 21, 2023, the Indian Navy and DRDO successfully conducted guided flight trials of the first indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile from a Sea King 42B helicopter.
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Sea King 42B helicopter launching indigenous naval anti ship missile. (Picture source: Indian Navy)

The Westland Sea King Mk.42B is a specialized variant of the Sea King helicopter, designed for the Indian Navy. This model is an anti-ship warfare version, developed as part of India's efforts to enhance its maritime defense capabilities.

The Sea King helicopter, in general, is a twin-engined medium anti-submarine and search and rescue (SAR) helicopter. Originally produced by the British manufacturer Westland Helicopters, it is a license-built variant of the Sikorsky S-61.

The Sea King features Rolls-Royce Gnome turboshaft engines, with each engine delivering 1660 shp (1238 kW). It has a top speed of 209 km/h (113 knots) and a range of 1,230 km (664 nautical miles). The helicopter has a service ceiling of 10,000 feet and can carry up to 19 passengers.

For the Mk.42B version specifically, India signed a contract in 1982 for several helicopters to perform dual-purpose anti-shipping and anti-submarine missions. The Mk.42B's avionics were developed with the involvement of Indian engineers, featuring new avionics suites, the use of composite materials in the fuselage and rotor blades, and the integration of the Sea Eagle missile. Between 1988 and 1992, a total of 20 Mk42B Sea Kings were delivered to the Indian Navy.

This helicopter is a significant asset for the Indian Navy, operating from Godavari-class frigates and replacing the existing Sea Kings.