Norway’s Strategic Investment in MH-60R SEAHAWK Helicopters

In just under a month, the European nation of Norway has entered into a second contract, solidifying its commitment to the MH-60R programme.

On October 12th, the US Navy officially awarded Lockheed Martin a contract for the delivery of eight MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to the Spanish Navy.

These MH-60R helicopters, meticulously crafted by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, have already made their mark, having been successfully delivered to five nations. Notably, an additional 64 MH-60R aircraft are in various stages of production or are awaiting delivery to India, Greece, South Korea, Australia, Spain, and, of course, Norway.

Hamid Salim, the Vice President of Sikorsky Maritime Systems, emphasized the unparalleled expertise that Sikorsky and the US Navy possess, with over four decades of experience in crafting and enhancing Seahawk helicopters for deployment in the most demanding maritime environments. This proficiency ensures that military forces worldwide are prepared to confront ever-evolving threats.

Norway and other nations are drawn to the Seahawk aircraft for several compelling reasons, including their exceptional reliability, advanced mission systems and sensors, cost-effectiveness in terms of flight hours, and the minimized maintenance and sustainment expenses.

Brigadier General Jarle Nergård, Head of the Air Systems Division of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, articulated the decision to opt for the MH-60R, citing its illustrious track record for reliability and adaptability in operational conditions akin to those encountered by the Norwegian Air Force and Coast Guard. The contract for the acquisition of six MH-60R aircraft underscores the Norwegian government’s commitment to modernizing its maritime capabilities, with delivery anticipated by 2027.

Capt William Hargreaves, the programme Manager of the H-60 Multi-mission Helicopter Programme Office, underscored the MH-60R’s exceptional versatility, asserting that it is ideally suited for a wide range of land and maritime operations, making it a valuable asset for the Norwegian coast guard. Norway’s selection of this incomparable multi-mission helicopter represents a significant step forward in enhancing their coastal security and operational capabilities.