The Peruvian President, Dina Boluarte, led the ceremony marking the incorporation of six Sea King helicopters donated by Spain last year. These units are set to significantly enhance the operational capacity of the country’s Navy and are expected to play a crucial role during the upcoming El Niño cycle, which traditionally impacts Peru with intensity. The helicopters will be utilized for offshore search and rescue missions, transportation of humanitarian aid and personnel, as well as evacuations.
These helicopters were formally donated on October 4, 2022. On that day, the Spanish Ministry of Defense finalized the transfer of six SH-3D Sea King helicopters and their spare parts. They were handed over to the Peruvian Navy for a symbolic value of 600 euros. According to Spanish government data, this model has been in service for over 50 years. Initially dedicated to anti-submarine warfare, its role was later redefined for tactical transport.
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The first Sea King was delivered to Spain on June 29, 1966, when it arrived at the Rota Naval Base in the province of Cádiz. It was the world’s first SH-3D in an anti-submarine version. The Spanish government mentioned that the helicopter’s value (100 euros each) was determined after a material inventory.
“Therefore, the total amount for these transfers has been set at 600 euros. Thisi is a symbolic figure based on the clear logistical benefit it provides to the Navy, offering a final destination for this equipment. This is also aimed at reinforcing the existing smooth and trustworthy relationship between the Spanish Navy and the Peruvian Navy,” stated the Spanish government in a press release.
Thus, at virtually no cost, the Peruvian Navy effectively doubled its inventory of SH-3D Sea King helicopters, acquiring well-maintained units with certain modernizations such as FLIR cameras, a night vision goggle-equipped cockpit, and a rescue winch, among others.
