The U.S. Navy is selling nine MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and associated support to Denmark.
Valued at approximately $686 million, this is the second U.S. foreign military sales (FMS) procurement for the MH-60R, following Australia’s FMS selection in 2011.
The Seahawks will replace the Danish Westland Lynx Mk 90B helicopter fleet, which entered service in 2000. The first MH-60R helicopter is expected to deploy with Danish warships by 2016.
In addition to its primary mission of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, the MH-60R Seahawk also performs search and rescue, troop transport, medical evacuation, ship-to-ship replenishment, and humanitarian relief operations.
“We’re very pleased to see Denmark choose the MH-60R. The Romeo’s proven performance and reliability will meet their maritime needs, and will provide both Denmark and the United States with interoperability benefits as our nations continue to operate in close partnership during contingency operations and missions around the world,” said Rear Adm. Paul Grosklags, Program Executive Officer, Air, ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs.
The U.S. Navy currently has seven operational carrier air wing squadrons, two expeditionary squadrons and two fleet replacement squadrons operating the MH-60R, with 85 flying operationally and 44 in training squadrons. The U.S. Navy is expected to procure a total of 291 MH-60R aircraft by 2017.
The U.S. Navy was supported in its winning proposal by Team Seahawk, which comprises MH-60R airframe manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, mission systems integrator Lockheed Martin, engine manufacturer GE, sensor supplier Raytheon Corp., and training supplier CAE.
In addition to meeting U.S. Navy fleet requirements, Team Seahawk has the capacity to deliver 18 to 23 additional aircraft annually to Foreign Military Sales customers.
