A dozen Seahawk maritime helicopters on way to Australia

Sikorsky MH-60R Australia Navy

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) will acquire 12 more Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ helicopters from Lockheed Martin, via the US Navy’s Foreign Military Sales agreement

The new aircraft will be used by the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm to form its third squadron of this type, scheduled for delivery between mid-2025 and mid-2026.

Sikorsky Aircraft Australia, based in Nowra, New South Wales, will continue to provide depot level maintenance, supply and logistics support for both the new aircraft and Australia’s existing MH-60R helicopter fleet.

The Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk is fitted with two General Electric T700-GE-401 engines, with a speed of 330km/h and a range of around 450km.

Seahawks are employed by the RAN for use as a submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter, with secondary missions including search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation, logistics support and personnel transport.

RAN first acquired a fleet of 24 Seahawks between 2013 and 2016. The aircraft, which form the Fleet Air Arm’s 725 and 816 squadrons, have since accumulated over 30,000 flight hours embarked on frigates, destroyers and supply ships.