Denmark to Order Nine MH-60R Seahawks New Ship-Based Helicopter

The government and the Liberal Party, the Danish People's Party, Liberal Alliance and the Conservative Party have agreed on the choice of Denmark's new ship-based helicopter.

The government and the parties behind the current coalition have agreed to select the American helicopter MH-60R Seahawk as Denmark's new ship-based helicopter to replace the current Lynx helicopters.

There is agreement to acquire nine helicopters, which allows to strengthen its presence in the Arctic as well as deployment in international operations.

The decision is an offshoot of the current defense policy agreement.

Against this background, the Minister of Defence will now submit a request to the Parliamentary Finance Committee for authorization for the acquisition and related funds.

The helicopters, produced in the U.S. by Sikorsky in cooperation with Lockheed Martin, are planned for deliveries from 2016 to 2018, and are expected to take over operational assignments from the current Lynx helicopters beginning in 2017.

The helicopters will be operated by the Air Force's Helicopter Wing in Karup.

The final choice of ship-based helicopters was between the American MH-60R Seahawk and the British AW159 Wildcat. The choice of helicopter was made on the recommendation of the armed forces.

The helicopters’ missions will include maritime surveillance and policing, peacekeeping, search and rescue and fisheries inspection. They must also be able to participate in anti-piracy operations, evacuation and other emergency actions, and also provide air support to the police. (ends)


Denmark Acquires New Maritime Helicopters

The Danish Ministry of Defence has announced the procurement of nine MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. Terma looks forward to initiating negotiations.

Terma congratulates the Danish Defence and the team behind the MH60-R, Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin, with the decision on Denmark’s new maritime helicopter.

Terma has a long and successful collaboration with Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin, and during the past couple of years, Terma has signed several agreements with both companies.

Jørn Henrik Levy Rasmussen, Vice President, Terma Global, looks forward to taking the next step with Team Seahawk: “We are very pleased to be able to move forward with our existing agreements with Sikorsky Aircraft and Lockheed Martin, aiming to incorporate Terma’s mission-critical technologies and products into Seahawk, the most advanced maritime helicopter”.

The nine MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will replace Denmark’s aging Lynx-helicopters and are expected to be delivered from 2016 – 2018. The MH-60R will be used for surveillance, fisheries inspection and search & rescue, and can also be deployed to international missions and the Arctic region. The selection of MH60-R Seahawk has been based on recommendations from the Danish Defence.

During the competition and downselect period Terma has collaborated with all competitors and we wish to thank Agusta Westland and Eurocopter for the cooperation.


Source: Danish Ministry of Defence / Terma A/S News - 20 November 2012

Photo: The Royal Danish Air Force Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk Maritime Helicopters. (Photo by armedforces-int.com)


(20.11.2012)