Lockheed Martin has officially received a contract to produce six MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for Norway.
The agreement comes after the US State Department in April approved the foreign military sale of the multi-mission choppers and associated equipment for an estimated $1 billion.
According to the company, the rotary-wing aircraft will feature advanced mission systems and sensors, making them a highly reliable platform.
It will also provide the Norwegian military with low flight hour costs, as well as low maintenance and sustainment costs.
Lockheed said the MH-60R performs a wide variety of maritime missions, including anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, and search and rescue.
Oslo is expected to receive its first Seahawks by 2027.
Suitable for Norway’s Operating Environment
Originally built for the US Navy, the MH-60R Seahawk is considered one of the most advanced maritime helicopters in the US military.
It features a state-of-the-art navigation suite and a fully digital communications suite for smooth operations with other aircraft.
Powered by two General Electric turboshaft engines, the chopper can fly at 267 kilometers (166 miles) per hour with an operational range of 704 kilometers (437 miles).
According to Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency official Brigadier General Jarle Nergård, the platform has a long and proven track record of reliability and flexibility in operational environments similar to those faced by the Norwegian Air Force.
“This is why we believe the MH-60R is the solution that best meets Norway’s current requirements, and why we are very pleased to see this contract moving forward,” he said.