State Department agrees to sell MH-60R Seahawks helicopters to Norway

1 May, 2023 MH-60R helicopter. Photo credits: jetphotos.com The U.S.

Department of State had supported the possible approval of a Foreign Military Sale of MH-60R Seahawk multi-purpose helicopters to the Norwegian government. The corresponding message appeared on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the United States Department of Defense. It regards the possible supply of six helicopters and related equipment at an estimated cost of £1 billion.

On April 26, the agency issued the necessary certification and notified the U.S. Congress of a possible sale. The potential deal includes six MH-60R and fifteen ?-700-GE-401C aircraft engines (12 installed, 3 spare), nine Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS JTRS), of which 6 are installed and 3 are spare.

As well as other important equipment and spare parts.

MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. Photo credits: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex Corona

Together with the equipment, the U.S. government and contractors provide engineering, technical and logistical support services, as well as other relevant elements of logistics and software, communication equipment, personnel training and training equipment. The total cost of the cooperation program is estimated at £1 billion.

In March 2023, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram said that the government chose the American SH-60 Seahawk as a new naval helicopter for its own armed forces. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2027. American-made Seahawk helicopters will replace NH90 that began withdrawing from the country's armed forces last June.

Initially, MH-60R will be used for the Coast Guard, while also being prepared for additional equipment that will be needed during possible anti-submarine operations.

Australia's MH-60R SEAHAWK. Photo credits: Lockheed Martin

Norway is trying to speed up the process of obtaining new helicopters, as well as training pilots and technical personnel to operate them. The Royal Norwegian Air Force will send its military to Denmark in advance, who has been operating MH-60R since 2016, where they will be trained in maintaining and piloting Seahawk helicopters.

Norway will initially be able to purchase up to three new helicopters intended for the U.S.

Navy.

The first delivery of MH-60R Seahawk is expected in the summer of 2025.