Lockheed Martin Celebrates Milestone with Delivery of 350th MH-60R Helicopter to Navy
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently celebrated the milestone delivery of its 350th MH-60R “Romeo” helicopter to the United States Navy. This aircraft has been handed over to HSM-41, the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Fleet Replacement Squadron, responsible for training the newest naval aviators and aircrewmen in operating the MH-60R helicopter. This achievement underscores the production success of one of the world’s most sophisticated naval helicopters.
The Sikorsky MH-60R is renowned as the premier global anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter platform. Featuring advanced sensors, integrated mission systems, precision weapons, and exceptional network-centric capabilities, it stands as a critical asset in countering increasingly advanced submarine threats.
“Delivering the 350th MH-60R helicopter highlights the extraordinary capabilities of this aircraft and the incredible dedication of our team,” said Ali Ruwaih, Maritime Systems Vice President. “We take pride in supporting the U.S. Navy and our global partners with this advanced multi-mission platform, ensuring its continued role in global ASW operations for years to come.”
Equipped with cutting-edge sensors, radars, Electronic Support Measures, data links, and weapons, the MH-60R has consistently demonstrated its combat effectiveness. Recently, it successfully engaged and neutralized an enemy drone during a maritime security patrol in the Gulf of Aden. In the Red Sea, the Romeo crew effectively sank multiple Houthi-armed skiffs, securing vital shipping routes. Additionally, the MH-60R played an integral role in the Resolute Hunter exercise, showcasing its versatility and enhancing anti-submarine warfare coordination in joint multinational operations.
“Since 2010, the MH-60R has served as the U.S. Navy’s primary helicopter for anti-submarine and surface warfare. This versatile multi-mission platform has proven effective across all types of land and maritime operations, fulfilling various mission requirements worldwide. We appreciate the skilled artisans at Sikorsky for ensuring this invaluable asset remains prepared for our service members for decades to come,” stated Captain William Hargreaves, H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters Program Manager.
The MH-60R’s network-centric design facilitates seamless communication and data exchange with other ASW assets, significantly enhancing situational awareness and allowing for synchronized ASW operations. In line with Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security framework, the aircraft features an open-architecture avionics suite that enables the rapid integration of new sensors and weapons. Its service life is anticipated to extend well into the 2050s, and active production lines ensure customers can acquire new aircraft and enhance existing fleets with the latest technologies.
With a collective flight time exceeding one million hours, Lockheed Martin has successfully delivered MH-60R helicopters to the United States, Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, India, Greece, and South Korea, with upcoming scheduled deliveries to Spain and Norway.
