MH-60R Helicopters Delivered To The Royal Australian Navy

The Royal Australian Navy accepted the first two MH-60R helicopters from the U.S. Navy in a ceremony Tuesday at the Lockheed Martin facility in Owego, NY.

“The advanced anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities of the MH-60 Romeo are a game-changer in shifting the advantage from the submarine to the helicopter, which is essential in today’s maritime security environment,” said Rear Admiral CJ Jaynes, program executive officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault and Special Mission Programs, which oversees the U.S. Navy’s H-60 program office. “We are excited to extend our partnership with the Royal Australian Navy through the delivery of these advanced helicopters.”

Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft and provided with advanced mission systems and sensors by Lockheed Martin, the MH-60R is already operational and deploying as the primary U.S. Navy anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare system for open-ocean and littoral zones. The U.S. Navy answered the Australian Defense Force’s requirement for a fleet of 24 new-generation, multi-role naval combat aircraft with the proven MH-60R helicopters. The entire fleet will be delivered incrementally by the end of 2016.
 
"The Seahawk Romeo is an evolutionary step forward from the Seahawk 'Classic' it replaces. The Romeo builds on the known and trusted Seahawk air vehicle, incorporating state-of-the-art sensors in an open architecture, integrated mission system. The Romeo is a potent maritime combat helicopter," said Rear Adm. Tony Dalton who heads the Australian Defense Organization’s Helicopter Systems Division. "We look forward to sharing in the U.S. Navy's ongoing technology upgrades and continuing to build upon the proven capabilities."

(Image provided by Lockheed Martin)

FMI: www.navy.gov.au