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The US State Department has greenlit a proposed deal to supply Spain with a fleet of the multi-role helicopters.
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The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has announced the approval of a potential US$950 million ($1.3 billion) order for eight Sikorsky-built MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the government of Spain.
The deal includes the supply of:
- T-700-GE-401C engines;
- Hellfire missiles;
- Hellfire II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM);
- Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II Guidance Sections;
- Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS); and
- Airborne Low Frequency Sonars (ALFS).
“The proposed sale will improve Spain’s capability to meet current and future threats,” the DSCA noted in a statement.
The MH-60R Seahawks are tipped to bolster Spain’s anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capability, while supporting vertical replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay missions.
According to the DSCA, the deal would also strengthen the Spanish Navy’s ability to support NATO operations, ensuring interoperability with the US and NATO allies.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the DSCA added.
The MH-60R Seahawks are operated by a number of countries, including Australia.
Last October, the US greenlit the Commonwealth government’s request to purchase an additional 12 Seahawk helicopters from Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky for approximately US$985 million ($1.3 billion).
The deal, which will take the total size of the fleet to 36, includes the provision of spare engines, radars, targeting systems, rocket and missile launchers, sensors, missile warning systems, GPS technology, and electronic countermeasures.
[Related: RAN to bolster Seahawk helicopter fleet]
