[REVISION HISTORY]
Global MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter procurement
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2026-10-19 22:34 UTC → 2026-10-22 16:12 UTC ·
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Various nations are expanding their maritime capabilities through the procurement of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States. South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has approved the purchase a second tranche of 24 additional Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk multi-role maritime helicopters to replace its Leonardo Super Lynx Mk 99 fleet. This acquisition, which follows following U.S. Department of State approval, aims to bring the total fleet to 36 aircraft. A notable aspect of significant technical development in this procurement is the ongoing effort to integrate South Korean-made K745 Blue Shark lightweight torpedoes with the helicopters. This marks the first time such integration has been requested, as previous purchases were bundled exclusively with RTX Mk 54 torpedoes. New Zealand has signed an a NZ$1.65 billion agreement via the Foreign Military Sales program to acquire five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation to replace its existing fleet of eight Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprites. The deal, valued at approximately NZ$1.648 billion (US$925 million), deal includes associated systems, weaponry, spare parts, and training. The weaponry package features MK 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes, AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, GAU-21 and M240D machine guns, and APKWS rockets. This acquisition is intended to enhance the Royal New Zealand Navy’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, search and rescue, and maritime counter-terrorism, while ensuring interoperability with the Australian Defence Force and other Indo-Pacific allies. Deliveries are expected to commence in 2030. The project also includes an anticipated annual operational cost of NZ$110 million over the next decade and funding for infrastructure and temporary housing at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai. Future program phases may include training systems and uncrewed aerial systems.
Versions
- 2026-10-22 16:12 UTC Global MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter procurement
- 2026-10-19 22:34 UTC Global MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter procurement
- 2026-10-16 22:34 UTC Global MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter procurement
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