Norway to Replace NH90 Helicopter Fleet with Six MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters
The Norwegian government has made a significant decision to enhance its maritime capabilities by acquiring new helicopters, with the initial deliveries expected to commence as early as 2025. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering national sovereignty, enhancing the readiness of the Armed Forces, and reinforcing Norway’s presence in its northern regions.
For its new maritime helicopter capacity, the Norwegian government has opted for the American Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk utility maritime helicopter. This decision comes as a replacement for the NH90 utility maritime helicopters, which were grounded in June of the previous year. The newly acquired helicopters will primarily serve the Coast Guard’s needs, but they will also be outfitted for anti-submarine operations.
“In the current security situation, we have exerted considerable effort to swiftly address the helicopter situation. The Seahawk aligns with the helicopter models utilized by our close allies and boasts proven technology. This maritime helicopter capability will empower the Coast Guard to better ensure national control, exercise authority, and conduct search and rescue operations at sea. Through this tangible example of Nordic defense cooperation, we can draw upon Denmark’s experience before integrating these helicopters into Norway. This collaboration will expedite our journey to full operational capability once we receive our helicopters,” stated Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp).
Given that the Royal Danish Air Force has been operating the same Seahawk helicopters since 2016, Norwegian crews will undergo training in Denmark to prepare for the delivery of the Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk utility maritime helicopters in the 2025-27 timeframe. This move is vital to maintain and cultivate the crucial helicopter expertise at Bardufoss.
In the defense sector, close dialogue with American authorities has been ongoing to expedite the establishment of Norwegian maritime helicopter capabilities. Initially, Norway will have the opportunity to procure up to three new helicopters originally intended for the US Navy.
The first delivery of the MH-60R Seahawk is slated for the summer of 2025, with Bardufoss set to serve as the future base for these helicopters. Norway’s procurement plan involves the acquisition of a total of six helicopters, with deliveries scheduled between 2025 and 2027. The timeline for these deliveries assumes that Norway will reach an agreement with American authorities during the summer of 2023. However, the signing of the contract hinges on approval from the Storting, the Norwegian Parliament.
The decision regarding maritime helicopter capabilities is an integral part of the investment proposal that will be presented to the Storting during the spring session. This procurement effort is based on recommendations from the Chief of Defense and is estimated to have a cost frame of approximately NOK 12 billion, which is roughly equivalent to $1.1 billion.
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