Lockheed Martin delivers 350th MH-60R “Romeo” helicopter to U.S. Navy, marking key production milestone

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

Lockheed Martin has delivered its 350th MH-60R “Romeo” helicopter to the United States Navy, marking a major milestone in the programme’s production and delivery. The aircraft was handed over to HSM-41, the Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Fleet Replacement Squadron, which trains new naval aviators and aircrew for operations with the MH-60R.
Photo: Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin has delivered its 350th MH-60R “Romeo” helicopter to the United States Navy, marking a major milestone in the programme’s production and delivery. The aircraft was handed over to HSM-41, the Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Fleet Replacement Squadron, which trains new naval aviators and aircrew for operations with the MH-60R.

 

The Sikorsky-built MH-60R is regarded as the world’s most advanced naval helicopter, combining anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and surveillance roles in a single platform. Its reputation is based on advanced sensors, integrated mission systems, precision weapons and network-centric capabilities designed to counter increasingly capable submarine threats.

“The delivery of the 350th MH-60R helicopter is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of this aircraft and the dedication of our team,” said Ali Ruwaih, Maritime Systems vice president. “We are proud to support the U.S. Navy and our global partners with this highly advanced multi-mission platform, which will remain a critical component of global ASW operations for decades to come.”

 

 

The helicopter has recently demonstrated its combat effectiveness during maritime security operations, including the engagement of an enemy drone in the Gulf of Aden and actions against armed skiffs in the Red Sea. It has also played a key role in multinational exercises such as Resolute Hunter, enhancing anti-submarine warfare coordination with allied surface combatants.

“The MH-60R has been the U.S. Navy’s primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter since 2010,” said Captain William Hargreaves, H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters programme manager. “This true multi-mission asset has proven itself in all aspects of land or maritime operations providing various mission requirements around the globe.”

 

 

Designed with open-architecture avionics, the MH-60R allows the rapid integration of new sensors and weapons and is expected to remain in service into the 2050s. More than one million collective flight hours have been logged across fleets delivered to several international customers, with further deliveries planned for Spain and Norway.

 

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