The United States Department of State has approved the possible sale of nine HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to Norway, in a deal valued at approximately $2.6 billion.
The information was released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which is responsible for export notifications of weapons systems to allied countries.
The package includes not only the helicopters, but also a wide range of equipment and support services, such as logistics support, training, maintenance, and spare parts. The primary contractor for the deal will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.
Complete Defense and Rescue Package
In addition to the nine aircraft, Norway will receive:
- 22 T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines (including spares);
- 21 integrated GPS/INS navigation systems;
- 10 AN/APR-52 radar warning receiver systems;
- 10 AN/AAR-57 missile warning systems;
- GAU-21 machine guns;
- IZLID 200P infrared laser designators;
- AN/ALE-47 countermeasure dispensing systems;
- Mission planning software and engineering and technical support services from the US government and contractors.
Helicopter Designed for Combat Rescue Missions
The HH-60W Jolly Green II is an advanced version of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter, specially adapted for combat search and rescue missions (CSAR). The aircraft is capable of operating in any weather conditions, day or night, including environments contaminated with chemical, biological, or nuclear agents.
Among the specific upgrades of the HH-60W are internal fuel tanks with expanded capacity, which double the aircraft’s range to up to 933 km without the need for external tanks. Additionally, the model features an aerial refueling probe, allowing extended operations in combat zones.
Standardization with US Fleet
The acquisition of the HH-60W complements Norway’s recent decision, made in March 2023, to acquire six MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to replace the NH90s, which are being retired from the Norwegian Armed Forces. The Seahawk purchase, estimated between $1.1 billion and $1.2 billion, has first deliveries scheduled for summer 2025.
With the introduction of the HH-60W and MH-60R into the Norwegian fleet, the European country will significantly increase the level of standardization with equipment used by its NATO allies, facilitating interoperability and the sharing of parts and maintenance.
Sources and images: DSCA | Militarnyi | Wikimedia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
