Three of the Hellenic Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters under order have completed key tests ahead of scheduled delivery this year.
The maritime rotary-wing aircraft successfully passed integrated mission and sensor systems tests, verifying their effectiveness and efficiency, Sikorsky announced Wednesday.
The tests also reportedly confirmed that the Seahawks are capable of performing anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, either from ships or on the ground.
Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo said the commonality of the MH-60R Seahawks to the MH-60S and the global fleet of Black Hawk helicopters “allows Sikorsky and the US Navy to continue sustaining and upgrading this proven weapons system for maximum threat deterrence and operational capability.”
Greece placed an order for four MH-60R choppers in 2020 and contracted Sikorsky again for another three Seahawks in April 2021.
Arrival in Athens
A next-generation platform, the MH-60R is considered one of the world’s most advanced maritime helicopters.
It can accommodate three or four flight crew members and five passengers.
It has four weapons stations for AGM-114 Hellfire anti-surface missiles, ATK mk50 or mk46 lightweight torpedoes, and other anti-surface warfare weapons.
According to Sikorsky, the first three MH-60R Seahawks will arrive in Greece later this year via US Navy transport planes, while the remaining four choppers under order will be delivered in 2025.
They will join the Hellenic Navy’s existing fleet of 11 S-70B Seahawk aircraft at Kotroni Naval Air Station.
Once delivered, Greece will become the seventh country in the world and fourth in Europe to receive the naval helicopters.