Lockheed Martin, a global aerospace and defense technology company, has recently been awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy to manufacture eight Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Spanish Navy (Armada). These state-of-the-art aircraft, equipped with advanced mission systems and sensors for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, are set to bolster the maritime capabilities of the Spanish Navy significantly. This marks a substantial upgrade from their existing SH-60B Seahawk fleet.
Advancing Naval Capabilities with the MH-60R Seahawk
The MH-60R Seahawk is a multi-mission helicopter renowned for its operational efficiency and is a result of continuous investment from the U.S. Navy, Sikorsky, and their partner suppliers. These investments have led to continuous improvements in the air vehicle, mission systems, and sensors that equip the MH-60R for various tasks.
Hamid Salim, Vice President of Sikorsky Maritime Systems, highlighted the importance of these ongoing efforts. “Operational effectiveness of the MH-60R multi-mission helicopter is a direct result of ongoing investment by the U.S. Navy, Sikorsky, and our partner suppliers in the air vehicle, mission systems and sensors,” Salim stated.
Retiring Older Fleet for State-of-the-Art Technology
The Spanish Navy made the decision to retire its last 18 Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King helicopters in 2022, marking the end of an era that began with deliveries dating back to 1966. During the period from 1988 to 2001, the Armada acquired 12 SH-60B aircraft, and more recently, it purchased eight SH-60F Seahawk helicopters that were retired by the U.S. Navy.
With the introduction of the new MH-60R Seahawk aircraft, the Armada intends to modernize and enhance the mission systems and sensors used in the aging SH-60B fleet. This upgrade aims to elevate the Armada to the highest level of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability.
Spain will receive eight new MH-60R aircraft, joining a global fleet of 330 operational helicopters currently serving the U.S. Navy, Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and India. Additionally, deliveries to Greece and South Korea are scheduled to commence in 2024. Notably, in May, the U.S. Navy announced that the global MH-60R fleet had collectively achieved over 1 million flight hours, underlining the platform’s reliability and effectiveness.
Strengthening International Alliances and National Security
The contract awarded to Lockheed Martin signifies Spain’s trust in the MH-60R Seahawk and reflects a shared commitment to national security and international partnerships. Captain William Hargreaves, U.S. Navy H-60 Multi-mission Helicopters Program Manager, emphasized this point. “Spain’s confidence in the MH-60R is an attestation to our shared commitment to national security and the security of our allied nations,” said Captain Hargreaves. “We are committed to supporting Spain throughout this process from contract award through delivery while further solidifying our global partnership. The increased capabilities and new technologies of the MH-60R Seahawk will allow the Spanish Navy to remain a ready, capable, and equipped fleet.”
In Summary: Elevating Naval Capabilities
The contract between Lockheed Martin and the Spanish Navy for eight MH-60R Seahawk helicopters is a testament to the ongoing advancements in naval technology. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in strengthening international alliances and enhancing national security. Spain’s decision to upgrade its naval capabilities by investing in cutting-edge MH-60R Seahawk helicopters underscores the critical role of advanced aviation technology in modern maritime operations.
Photo: Lockheed Martin
For more info, please visit https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2023-10-12-Lockheed-Martin-Receives-Contract-Award-for-Eight-Spanish-Navy-MH-60R-SEAHAWK-Helicopters
