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.
“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 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.
“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 an operational fleet of 330 worldwide 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 the global MH-60R fleet had surpassed one-million flight hours.
