Israeli Navy Adds SH-60F Seahawk Helicopters to Fleet

Israel’s navy has incorporated eight SH-60F Seahawk helicopters, transferred from the United States under the Excess Defense Articles program, into its fleet. The aircraft were modernised with Israeli‑made radar, communications and electronic‑warfare systems before delivery.

The integration follows the reactivation of Squadron 193 at Palmachim Air Base, which will operate the helicopters—locally nicknamed “Shalach”—to support maritime missions in the Mediterranean and Red Sea. Israel becomes the world’s second operator of the SH‑60F after Spain, which retired the type from the U.S. Navy in 2016.

The acquisition, originally requested in 2015, was completed at no purchase cost, with Israel covering the expense of recovery, upgrades and transport, estimated at about $300 million.