Norway Approved to Buy MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters for $1B

The U.S. State Department has given the nod to Norway’s request of buying MH-60R helicopters for approximately $1 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The sale includes six MH-60R helicopters, engines, radios, sonars, identification and countermeasures equipment, and other support and logistics services.

Lockheed Martin’s MH-60R Seahawk has a maximum speed of 267kmph and a cruising speed of 234kmph. It has a service ceiling of 3.4km and a range of 454km. Its endurance is up to 3 hours and 30 minutes, and it can carry up to five passengers.

The new helicopters, to be based at Bardufoss Air Station in northern Norway, are likely to be used by the Norwegian Coast Guard for antisubmarine warfare (ASW) operations.

Last month, Oslo said it will buy six Seahawks to replace some of its Airbus NH90 aircraft, months after terminating a contract with NH Industries for the latter rotorcraft on account of delivery delays.