Lockheed Martin has received a contract from the U.S. Navy to produce eight Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Spanish Navy (Armada).
Designed, built and integrated with advanced missions systems and sensors for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, the future Armada MH-60R aircraft will significantly upgrade and broaden the range of maritime capabilities currently performed by its SH-60B SEAHAWK fleet. Sikorsky is a Lockheed Martin company.
The Armada retired the last of 18 Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopters in 2022 following deliveries that began in 1966. From 1988 to 2001, the Armada acquired 12 SH-60B aircraft, and more recently, purchased eight SH-60F SEAHAWK helicopters retired by the U.S. Navy.
“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 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 eight new MH-60R aircraft will join a fleet of 330 worldwide operational with the U.S. Navy, Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia and India.
Aircraft deliveries to Greece and South Korea will begin in 2024.