Following the decision to cancel the contract with NH Industruies and return its NH90s, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense wants to replace them with six new American MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters.
The Norwegian government chose the U.S. Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk as the new naval helicopter, replacing the NH90 helicopter that Norway stopped operating in June last year.
See also: Norway terminates NH90 contract and demands a refund
“In the current security situation, we have put a lot of effort into getting a quick solution to our helicopter situation. The Seahawk is the same type of helicopter used by close allies, and is based on proven technology”, said Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
Initially, the helicopters will be used by the Norwegian Coast Guard, but they will also be prepared to be equipped for anti-submarine operations.
Cooperation with Denmark
Denmark has operated Seahawks since 2016. In order to secure and retain important helicopter expertise for Norwegian crews at Bardufoss, the Air Force will send personnel to Denmark, to gain technical and operational expertise on the Seahawk.
“Through this concrete example of Nordic defense cooperation, we gain experience from Denmark before receiving the Seahawks to Norway. This will assist us in gaining full operational capability quicker”, says Gram.
Norway has been in close dialogue with the U.S authorities to find solutions for a Norwegian maritime helicopter capacity as soon as possible. Norway will have the opportunity to purchase up to three new helicopters that were intended for the US Navy, with the first delivery of the MH-60R Seahawk expected approximately in the summer of 2025. The Norwegian Seahawks will be stationed at Bardufoss.
In total, Norway is buying six helicopters, due to be delivered from 2025 through 2027. Delivery times requires that Norway signs an agreement with the US in the summer of 2023.
The choice of maritime helicopter capability is part of the investment proposal to be presented to the Norwegian parliament during the spring session. The procurement is based on advice from the chief of defense and is expected to cost approximately NOK 12 billion (USD 1.1 billion).
