Spanish Navy orders SH-60F Seahawk helicopters

[Zarvan]

The Spanish Navy has ordered two SH-60F Seahawk helicopters, a move that seems destined to end the prospects of the country buying the navalised version of the NH90. Source: US Navy

The Spanish government has given the go-ahead for the navy to acquire two Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawks as tactical transport helicopters.

This initial EUR40 million (USD42.7 million) purchase, approved by the cabinet on 2 December, is scheduled to be the first step in a programme aimed at acquiring six new helicopters in all.

These first two will start replacing the ageing Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings that have been operated by the Spanish Navy (Armada Española) for half a century.

The decision to buy the US-made aircraft comes after several years of talks between the Armada and Airbus on the possibility of ordering a navalised version of the NHIndustries NH90 helicopter.

A government statement said it had opted for the SH-60F order now because of the long wait expected for a possible NH90 order to materialise, potentially delaying delivery until 2025.

The SH-60F is the multi-mission version of the SH-60B, of which the Armada already has 12 operating with its No. 10 squadron from their joint base with the US Navy at Rota near the Strait of Gibraltar.

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