Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Navy for the production of eight Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters that will be delivered to the Spanish Navy (Armada).
These helicopters are equipped with advanced mission systems and sensors for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, and will significantly upgrade and expand the maritime capabilities of the Armada MH-60R fleet. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is responsible for the design, manufacture, and integration of these helicopters.
“Operational effectiveness of the MH-60R multi-mission helicopter is a direct result of ongoing investment by the U.S. Navy, Sikorsky, and our partner suppliers in the air vehicle, mission systems and sensors,” said Hamid Salim, vice president, Sikorsky Maritime Systems.
The Armada previously retired its last 18 Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopters in 2022 after receiving the first delivery in 1966. Between 1988 and 2001, the Armada acquired 12 SH-60B aircraft, and more recently, eight SH-60F Seahawk helicopters retired by the U.S. Navy.
The addition of these new MH-60R helicopters to the fleet will bring Spain’s total to eight, joining a global fleet of 330 operational with the U.S. Navy, Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and India. Aircraft deliveries to Greece and South Korea will begin in 2024.
In May, the U.S. Navy announced that the global MH-60R fleet had surpassed 1 million flight hours.
“The new MH-60R will upgrade mission systems and sensors of the SH-60B fleet, elevating the Armada to the highest level of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability,” said the Armada. ”We expect a smooth transition from the SH-60B to the MH-60R.”
“Spain’s confidence in the MH-60R is an attestation to our shared commitment to national security and the security of our allied nations,” said Capt. William Hargreaves, U.S. Navy H-60 Multi-mission Helicopters program manager. “We are committed to supporting Spain throughout this process from contract award through delivery while further solidifying our global partnership. The increased capabilities and new technologies of the MH-60R Seahawk will allow the Spanish Navy to remain a ready, capable and equipped fleet.”
