Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, has completed testing of the integrated mission systems and sensors aboard three MH-60R SEAHAWK® helicopters purchased by the Hellenic Navy. Completed in early December 2023, the tests verify each MH-60R aircraft is an efficient and effective air weapon system capable of performing anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions from land or naval ship. Greece is the seventh country to receive the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R maritime helicopter. In Europe, Denmark operates nine MH-60R aircraft. Spain and Norway placed orders in 2023 for a combined 14 MH-60R aircraft.
The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk (or Sea Hawk) is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The first three MH-60R aircraft will arrive in Greece during 2024 aboard U.S. Navy transport planes. Four additional aircraft will arrive in 2025 to complete the Hellenic Navy’s seven-aircraft purchase. Hellenic Navy MH-60R aircraft will join 11 existing S-70B SEAHAWK aircraft at the Kotroni Naval Air Station. Known as Aegean Hawks, the older maritime helicopters were acquired direct from Sikorsky between 1994 and 2005.
“Commonality of these Hellenic Navy MH-60R SEAHAWK aircraft with 330 MH-60R and 250 MH-60S SEAHAWK aircraft, and with the global BLACK HAWK helicopter fleet, enables Sikorsky and the U.S. Navy to continue sustaining and upgrading this proven weapon system for maximum threat deterrence and operational capability,” said Sikorsky President Paul Lemmo.
The MH-60R “Romeo” was originally known as “LAMPS Mark III Block II Upgrade” when development began in 1993 with Lockheed Martin (formerly IBM/Loral). Two SH-60Bs were converted by Sikorsky, the first of which made its maiden flight on 22 December 1999. Designated YSH-60R, they were delivered to NAS Patuxent River in 2001 for flight testing. The production variant was redesignated MH-60R to match its multi-mission capability. The MH-60R is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F. Its avionics includes dual controls and instead of the complex array of dials and gauges in Bravo and Foxtrot aircraft, 4 fully integrated 8″ x 10″ night vision goggle-compatible and sunlight-readable color multi-function displays. Offensive capabilities are improved by the addition of new Mk-54 air-launched torpedoes and Hellfire missiles.
