Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk

{{short description|Naval helicopter series of the H-60/S-70 family}} {{Redirect|SH-60||SH60 (disambiguation)}} {{About|the naval variants and operators of the S-70 family|an overview of the S-70 family, and for its civilian models and operators|Sikorsky S-70}} {{Use American English|date=April 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}  {{Infobox aircraft |name= SH-60 / HH-60H / MH-60 Seahawk |image= SH-60B Seahawk2.jpg  |caption= A U.S. Navy SH-60B Seahawk landing on {{USS|Abraham Lincoln|CVN-72|6}} |type= Utility maritime helicopter |national_origin= United States |manufacturer= Sikorsky Aircraft |first_flight= 12 December 1979 |introduction= 1984 |retired= |status= In service |primary_user= United States Navy |more_users= Royal Australian Navy <br />Turkish Naval Forces <br />Hellenic Navy |produced= 1979–present |number_built= 938<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/Support-Aircraft/MH-60R-Strikehawk_a000508010.aspx |title=MH-60R Seahawk total production}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/Support-Aircraft/MH-60S-Knighthawk_a000508011.aspx |title=MH-60S Knighthawk total production}}</ref> |developed_from= Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk |variants= Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk <br />Mitsubishi SH-60 <br />Piasecki X-49 }}

The '''Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk''' (or '''Sea Hawk''') is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant modifications are the folding main rotor blades and a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.

The U.S. Navy acquired H-60 helicopters under the model designations '''SH-60B''', '''SH-60F''', '''HH-60H''', '''MH-60R''', and '''MH-60S'''. Able to deploy aboard any air-capable frigate, destroyer, cruiser, fast combat support ship, expeditionary transfer dock, amphibious assault ship, littoral combat ship or aircraft carrier, the Seahawk can handle anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), naval special warfare (NSW) insertion, search and rescue (SAR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). When entering service, the SH-60B was too large to operate from some of the smaller vessels in service, so it served along with the Kaman SH-2F and SH-2G models until 2001.

Early model Seahawks began to be retired in the 2010s and 2020s, with the last B model leaving U.S. Navy service in 2015, after over three decades, then the F and H models followed in 2016. These were replaced by the upgraded MH-60R and S models.

==Design and development== ===Origins=== In the 1970s, the U.S. Navy began looking for a new helicopter to replace the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite.<ref name=Leoni_p203>Leoni 2007, pp. 203–4.</ref> The SH-2 Seasprite was used by the Navy as its platform for the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mark I avionics suite for maritime warfare and a secondary search and rescue capability. Advances in sensor and avionic technology lead to the LAMPS Mk II suite being developed by the Naval Air Development Center. In 1974, the Navy conducted a competition to develop the Lamps MK III concept, which would integrate both the aircraft and shipboard systems. The Navy selected IBM Federal Systems as the Prime systems integrator for the Lamps MK III concept.

Since the SH-2 was not large enough to carry the Navy's required equipment, a new airframe was required. In the mid-1970s, the Army evaluated the Sikorsky YUH-60 and Boeing Vertol YUH-61 for its Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System (UTTAS) competition.<ref name=Vect_S-70B>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20060718003212/http://www.vectorsite.net/avs70_2.html Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk]}}, Vectorsite.net, 1 July 2006.</ref> The Navy based its requirements on the Army's UTTAS specification, to decrease costs from commonality as the new airframe to carry the Lamps MK III avionics.<ref name=Leoni_p203/> In April 1977, Sikorsky and Boeing-Vertol submitted proposals for Navy variants of their Army UTTAS helicopters for review. The Navy also looked at helicopters being produced by Bell, Kaman, Westland and MBB, but these were too small for the mission. In early 1978, the Navy selected Sikorsky's S-70B design,<ref name=Leoni_p203/> which was designated "SH-60B Seahawk".

===SH-60B Seahawk=== IBM was the prime systems integrator for the Lamps MK III with Sikorsky as the airframe manufacturer. The SH-60B maintained 83% commonality with the UH-60A.<ref>Eden, Paul. "Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk/Seahawk", Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft, p. 431. Amber Books, 2004. {{ISBN|1-904687-84-9}}.</ref> The main changes were corrosion protection, more powerful T700 engines, single-stage oleo main landing gear, removal of the left side door, adding two weapon pylons, and shifting the tail landing gear {{convert|13|ft|m|sigfig=3}} forward to reduce the footprint for shipboard landing. Other changes included larger fuel cells, an electric blade folding system, folding horizontal stabilators for storage, and adding a 25-tube pneumatic sonobuoy launcher on the left side.<ref name=Leoni_p206>Leoni 2007, pp. 206–9.</ref>

An emergency flotation system was originally installed in the stub wing fairings of the main landing gear. It was found to be impractical and possibly impeded emergency egress, and was removed.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=SH-60B Seahawk |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/sh-60b-design.htm |access-date=2026-05-16 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref> Five YSH-60B Seahawk LAMPS III prototypes were ordered. The first YSH-60B flight occurred on 12 December 1979. The first production SH-60B made its first flight on 11 February 1983. The SH-60B entered operational service in 1984, with its first operational deployment in 1985.<ref name=Vect_S-70B/>

The SH-60B is deployed primarily aboard frigates, destroyers, and cruisers. The primary missions of the SH-60B are surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare. It carries a complex system of sensors, including a towed magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) and air-launched sonobuoys. Other sensors include the APS-124 search radar, ALQ-142 ESM system and optional nose-mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret. Munitions carried include the Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo, AGM-114 Hellfire missile, and a single cabin-door-mounted M60D/M240 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine gun, or GAU-16 .50 in (12.7 mm) machine gun.

A standard crew for a SH-60B is one pilot, one ATO/Co-Pilot (Airborne Tactical Officer), and an enlisted aviation warfare systems operator (sensor operator). The U.S. Navy operated the SH-60B in Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron, Light (HSL) squadrons. All HSL squadrons were redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons, and transitioned to the MH-60R between 2006 and 2015.

The SH-60J is based on the SH-60B airframe for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force without IBM avionics. The SH-60K is a modified variant of the SH-60J. The SH-60J and SH-60K are built under license by Mitsubishi in Japan.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Helicopter-Markets-and-Systems/Mitsubishi-Sikorsky-SH-60J-Japan.html Mitsubishi (Sikorsky) SH-60J (Japan)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418022535/http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Helicopter-Markets-and-Systems/Mitsubishi-Sikorsky-SH-60J-Japan.html |date=18 April 2009}}. Jane's, 17 April 2007.</ref><ref>[http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jau/jau_0953.html "Mitsubishi SH-60K Upgrade"]. Jane's, 11 June 2008. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305001547/http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jau/jau_0953.html |date=5 March 2009}}</ref>

===SH-60F=== [[File:MARSOC Helicopter exercise.jpg|thumb|A Seahawk hovers during a simulated casualty evacuation as MARSOC operators carry a stretcher.]]

After the SH-60B entered service,<ref name=Leoni_p211>Leoni 2007, p. 211.</ref> the Navy conducted a competition to replace the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King. The competitors were Sikorsky, Kaman and IBM (avionics only).{{citation needed |date=January 2019}} Sikorsky began development of this variant in March 1985. In January 1986, seven SH-60Fs were ordered including two prototypes (BuNos 163282/3).<ref>{{cite web |title=Bureau (Serial) Numbers of Naval Aircraft |url=http://www.history.navy.mil/download/history/app09.pdf |access-date=31 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009231118/http://www.history.navy.mil/download/history/app09.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The first example flew on 19 March 1987.<ref name=Donald_p158>Donald 2004, p. 158.</ref> The SH-60F was based on the SH-60B airframe, but with upgraded SH-3H avionics.<ref name=":12" />

The SH-60F primarily served as the carrier battle group's primary anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft. The helicopter hunted submarines with its AQS-13F dipping sonar, and carried a six-tube sonobuoy launcher. The SH-60F is unofficially named "Oceanhawk".<ref name=Donald_p158/> The SH-60F can carry Mk 46, Mk 50, or Mk 54 torpedoes for its offensive weapons, and it has a choice of fuselage-mounted machine guns, including the M60D, M240D, and GAU-16 (.50 caliber or 12.7 mm) for self-defense. The standard aircrew is one pilot, one co-pilot, one tactical sensor operator (TSO), and one acoustic sensor operator (ASO). The SH-60F was operated by the U.S. Navy's Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons, until they were redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) squadrons and transitioned to the MH-60S. The last HS squadron completed its transition in 2016.

===HH-60H=== thumb|A hovering HH-60H helicopter operated by HSC-84 during fast-rope training in Iraq, 2010

The HH-60H was developed in conjunction with the US Coast Guard's HH-60J, beginning in September 1986 with a contract for the first five helicopters with Sikorsky as the prime contractor. The variant's first flight occurred on 17 August 1988. Deliveries of the HH-60H began in 1989. The variant earned initial operating capability in April 1990 and was deployed to Desert Storm with HCS-4 and HCS-5 in 1991.<ref name=Donald_p158/> The HH-60H's official DoD and Sikorsky name is ''Seahawk'', though it has been called "Rescue Hawk".<ref>[http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/helicopter-m/sh60/ SH-60 Multipurpose Helicopter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612231117/http://aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/helicopter-m/sh60/ |date=12 June 2010}} at Aerospaceweb.org</ref>

Based on the SH-60F, the HH-60H is the primary combat search and rescue (CSAR), naval special warfare (NSW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) helicopter. It carries various defensive and offensive sensors. These include a FLIR turret with laser designator, and the Aircraft Survival Equipment (ASE) package including the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer, AVR-2 Laser Detectors, APR-39(V)2 Radar Detectors, AAR-47 Missile Launch Detectors and ALE-47 chaff/flare dispensers. Engine exhaust deflectors provide infrared thermal reduction, reducing the threat of heat-seeking missiles. The HH-60H can carry up to four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles on an extended wing using the M299 launcher, and a variety of mountable guns including M60D, M240, GAU-16 and GAU-17/A machine guns.

The HH-60H's standard crew is a pilot, a copilot, an enlisted crew chief, and two door gunners or one rescue swimmer. Originally operated by HCS-5 and HCS-4 (later HSC-84), these two special USNR squadrons were established with the primary mission of Naval Special Warfare and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR). Due to SOCOM budget issues, the squadrons were deactivated in 2006 and 2016 respectively. The HH-60H was also operated by Helicopter Antisubmarine (HS) squadrons, with a standard dispersal of six F-models and two or three H-models, before the transition of HS squadrons to HSC squadrons equipped with the MH-60S, the last of which completed its transition in 2016. The only squadron equipped with the HH-60H as of 2016 is HSC-85, one of only two remaining USNR helicopter squadrons, the other being HSM-60 equipped with the MH-60R. In Iraq, HH-60Hs were used by the Navy, assisting the Army, for MEDEVAC purposes and special operations missions.{{Citation needed |date=January 2012}}

===MH-60R=== thumb|An MH-60R Seahawk conducts sonar operations.

The MH-60R "Romeo" was originally known as "LAMPS Mark III Block II Upgrade" when development began in 1993 with Lockheed Martin, formerly IBM/Loral. Two SH-60Bs were converted by Sikorsky, the first of which made its maiden flight on 22 December 1999. Designated YSH-60R, they were delivered to NAS Patuxent River in 2001 for flight testing. The production variant was redesignated MH-60R to match its multi-mission capability.<ref>Donald 2004, pp. 161–162.</ref> The MH-60R was deployed by the US Navy in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.displayPlatform&key=230E736F-D36A-4FB8-BDD3-372CD723D22C|title=MH-60R Seahawk - NAVAIR - U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command - Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Research, Development, Acquisition, Test and Evaluation|website=www.navair.navy.mil|access-date=21 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921100109/http://www.navair.navy.mil/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.displayPlatform&key=230E736F-D36A-4FB8-BDD3-372CD723D22C|archive-date=21 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The MH-60R is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F.<ref>Donald 2004, p. 161.</ref> Its avionics includes dual controls and instead of the complex array of dials and gauges in Bravo and Foxtrot aircraft, 4 fully integrated 8" x 10" night vision goggle-compatible and sunlight-readable color multi-function displays, all part of the glass cockpit produced by Owego Helo Systems division of Lockheed Martin.<ref name=avionics>{{cite web| url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/mh60rseahawk/ | title=MH-60R Seahawk Multimission Naval Helicopter | access-date= 18 February 2020}}</ref> Onboard sensors include: AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System by ATK,<ref name=avionics/> Raytheon AAS-44 electro-optical system that integrates FLIR and laser rangefinder,<ref name=avionics/> ALE-39 decoy dispenser and ALQ-144 infrared jammer by BAE Systems,<ref name=avionics/> ALQ-210 electronic support measures system by Lockheed Martin,<ref name=avionics/> APS-147 multi-mode radar/IFF interrogator, which during a mid-life technology insertion project is replaced by APS-153 Multi-Mode Radar with Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination (ARPDD) capability.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newstelephonics-to-supply-anaps-153-radars-for-us-mh-60r-aircraft |title=Telephonics to supply APS-153 radars for US MH-60R aircraft |work=Naval Technology |date=26 April 2012 |access-date=4 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022035950/http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newstelephonics-to-supply-anaps-153-radars-for-us-mh-60r-aircraft |archive-date=22 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

thumb|MH-60R of the Indian Navy dispensing counter-measure flares at Operational Demonstration 2025 Both radars were developed by Telephonics,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/155223/mh-60r-seahawk.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071101211227/http://tech.military.com/equipment/view/155223/mh-60r-seahawk.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 November 2007 |title=MH-60R Equipment Guide |work=Military.com |access-date=4 December 2012}}</ref><ref name=avionics/> a more advanced AN/AQS-22 advanced airborne low-frequency sonar (ALFS) jointly developed by Raytheon & Thales,<ref name=avionics/> an ARC-210 voice radio by Rockwell Collins,<ref name=avionics/> an advanced airborne fleet data link SRQ-4 Hawklink with radio terminal set ARQ-59 radio terminal, both by L3Harris,<ref name=SRQ4a>{{cite web| url=https://www.militaryaerospace.com/sensors/article/16722024/navy-chooses-sensor-datalink-from-l3-communicationswest-to-help-helicopters-and-warships-share-information | title=Navy chooses sensor datalink from L-3 Communications-West to help helicopters and warships share information | date=8 January 2019 | access-date=8 January 2019}}</ref><ref name=SRQ4b>{{cite web| url=https://www.militaryaerospace.com/communications/article/14073051/digital-datalinks-communications-mh60r-helicopter | title=L3Harris to provide U.S. Navy with eight common datalink Hawklink SRQ-4 systems for the MH-60R helicopter | date=4 December 2019 | access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref><ref name=ARQ59>{{cite web| url=https://www2.l3t.com/csw/assets/products/product-sheets/CDL_Hawklink_AN-ARQ-59_Radio_Terminal_Set_Sales-Sheet_WEB.pdf | title=ARQ-59 | access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref> and LN-100G dual-embedded global positioning system and inertial navigation system by Northrop Grumman Litton division.<ref name=avionics/> Beginning in 2020, CAE's MAD-XR were fielded on MH-60Rs, providing it with a magnetic anomaly detector.<ref>{{Cite web|title=StackPath|url=https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/defense/press-release/21163509/cae-lockheed-martin-awards-cae-contract-to-provide-madxr-for-us-navy-mh60r-helicopters|access-date=27 January 2021|website=www.aviationpros.com|date=19 November 2020}}</ref>

Offensive capabilities are improved by the addition of new Mk-54 air-launched torpedoes and Hellfire missiles. All Helicopter Anti-Submarine Light (HSL) squadrons that receive the MH-60R are redesignated Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) squadrons.<ref name=Airscoop/>

===MH-60S=== [[File:US Navy 090414-F-4455C-004 An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter carries one of the 333 loads of cargo from the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) as the ship is anchored offshore near Port-Au-Prince.jpg|thumb|An MH-60S lifting humanitarian supplies from the deck of USNS ''Comfort''.]]

In 1997, the Navy decided to replace its venerable CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters. In 1998, the Navy awarded a production contract to Sikorsky for the CH-60S, after sea demonstrations with a converted UH-60. The variant first flew on 27 January 2000 and it began flight testing later that year. The CH-60S was redesignated MH-60S in February 2001 to reflect its planned multi-mission use.<ref name=Donald_p159-60>Donald 2004, pp. 159–160.</ref> The MH-60S is based on the UH-60L and has many naval SH-60 features.<ref name=Donald_160-61>Donald 2004, pp. 160–161.</ref> Unlike all other Navy H-60s, the MH-60S is not based on the original S-70B/SH-60B platform, with its forward-mounted twin tail-gear and single starboard sliding cabin door. Instead, the S-model is a hybrid, featuring the main fuselage of the S-70A/UH-60, with large sliding doors on both sides of the cabin and a single aft-mounted tail wheel, and the folding tail pylon, engines, drivetrain and rotors of the S-70B/SH-60.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mh_60s/ |title= MH-60S Knighthawk — Multi-Mission Naval Helicopter, USA |website= Naval Technology |access-date= 5 October 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081120171638/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mh_60s |archive-date= 20 November 2008 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref name=Donald_160-61/> It includes the integrated glass cockpit developed by Lockheed Martin for the MH-60R and shares some of the same avionics/weapons systems.

It is deployed aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Maritime Sealift Command ships, and fast combat support ships. Its missions include vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, maritime interdiction, close air support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special warfare support. The MH-60S is to deploy with the AQS-20A Mine Detection System and an Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) for identifying submerged objects in coastal waters.

thumb|A US Navy technician inside an MH-60S cockpit It is the first US Navy helicopter to field a glass cockpit, relaying flight information via four digital monitors. The primary means of defense is door-mounted machine guns such as the M60D, M240D, or GAU-17/A. A "batwing" Armed Helo Kit based on the Army's UH-60L was developed to accommodate Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 mm (2.75 inch) rockets, or larger guns. The MH-60S can be equipped with a nose-mounted forward looking infrared (FLIR) turret to be used in conjunction with Hellfire missiles. It carries the ALQ-144 Infrared Jammer.

The MH-60S is unofficially known as the "Knighthawk", referring to the preceding Sea Knight, though "Seahawk" is its official DoD name.<ref name=navy-sh-60>{{cite web |url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1 |publisher= US Navy |title= SH-60 Seahawk fact file |date= 21 August 2015 |access-date= 22 April 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180423170148/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1 |archive-date= 23 April 2018 |url-status= dead}}</ref><ref>[http://sikorsky.com/sik/products/military/seahawk/index.asp "Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter, Fact File"]. Sikorsky. checked 5 October 2008 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924052041/http://sikorsky.com/sik/products/military/seahawk/index.asp |date=24 September 2008}}</ref> A standard crew for the MH-60S is one pilot, one copilot and two tactical aircrewmen, depending on the mission. With the retirement of the Sea Knight, the squadron designation of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) was retired from the Navy. Operating MH-60S squadrons were re-designated Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC).<ref name=Airscoop>{{cite magazine|editor=Wendy Leland|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2003/nd03/HTML%20pages/airscoop.htm|date=November–December 2003|title=Airscoop|magazine=Naval Aviation News|page=8|access-date=30 June 2011|via=Naval History and Heritage Command|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104143359/http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/2000s/2003/nd03/HTML%20pages/airscoop.htm|archive-date=4 November 2012|url-status=dead}} [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/search.html?q=Airscoop+2003 Search]</ref> The MH-60S was to be used for mine clearing from littoral combat ships, but testing found it lacks the power to safely tow the detection equipment.<ref>LaGrone, Sam. [http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065975356&channel=defence "MH-60S underpowered for MCM towing operations, report finds."] Jane's Information Group, 21 January 2013.</ref>

In August 2014, the U.S. Navy forward deployed the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) to the U.S. 5th Fleet. The ALMDS is a sensor system designed to detect, classify, and localize floating and near-surface moored mines in littoral zones, straits, and choke points. The system is operated from an MH-60S, which gives it a countermine role traditionally handled by the MH-53E Sea Dragon, allowing smaller ships that the MH-53E cannot operate from, to be used in the role. The ALMDS beams a laser into the water to pick up reflections from things it bounces off of, then uses that data to produce a video image for ground personnel to determine if the object is a mine.<ref>[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1925 U.S. Navy deploys its new Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) for the first time] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914081732/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1925 |date=14 September 2014}} - Navyrecognition.com, 6 August 2014</ref>

The MH-60S will utilize the BAE Systems Archerfish remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to seek out and destroy naval mines from the air. Selected as a concept in 2003 by the Navy as part of the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) program and developed since 2007, the Archerfish is dropped into the water from its launch cradle, where its human operator remotely guides it down towards the mine using a fiber optics communications cable that leads back up to the helicopter. Using sonar and low-light video, it locates the mine, and is then instructed to shoot a shaped charge explosive to detonate it. In April 2016, BAE was awarded a contract to build and deliver the ROVs.<ref>[http://www.gizmag.com/bae-systems-archerfish/42821/ BAE Systems' Archerfish hunts down sea mines] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418062239/http://www.gizmag.com/bae-systems-archerfish/42821/ |date=18 April 2016}} - Gizmag.com, 14 April 2016</ref>

==Operational history==

===U.S. Navy=== {{Expand section|fill in operational use and combat action |date=April 2010}} The Navy received the first production SH-60B in February 1983 and assigned it to squadron HSL-41.<ref name=Donald_p156-7>Donald 2004, pp. 156–157.</ref><ref>Tomajczyk 2003, p. 55.</ref> The helicopter entered service in 1984,<ref>Leoni 2007, p. 205.</ref> and began its first deployment in 1985.<ref name=Donald_p156-7/>

thumb|left|A MH-60R prepares to land aboard {{USS|John C. Stennis}}. The SH-60F entered operational service on 22 June 1989 with Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 10 (HS-10) at NAS North Island.<ref name=Donald_p159-60/> SH-60F squadrons planned to shift from the SH-60F to the MH-60S from 2005 to 2011 and were to be redesignated Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC).{{citation needed|date=September 2023}}

As one of the two squadrons in the US Navy dedicated to Naval Special Warfare support and combat search and rescue, the HCS-5 Firehawks squadron deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. The squadron completed 900 combat air missions and over 1,700 combat flight hours. The majority of their flights in the Iraqi theater supported special operations ground forces missions.{{citation needed |date=June 2012}}

[[File:MH-60R Seahawk and Hellfire.jpg|thumb|An MH-60R firing a live Hellfire missile]] A west coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, received the MH-60R aircraft in December 2005 and began training the first set of pilots. In 2007, the R-model successfully underwent final testing for incorporation into the fleet. In August 2008, the first 11 combat-ready Romeos arrived at HSM-71, a squadron assigned to the carrier {{USS|John C. Stennis|CVN-74|2}}. The primary missions of the MH-60R are anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. According to Lockheed Martin, "secondary missions include search and rescue, vertical replenishment, naval surface fire support, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation and communications and data relay."<ref>[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2008/0730si-mh-60r.html "MH-60R Helicopter Departs Lockheed Martin To Complete First Operational Navy Squadron"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080815220640/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2008/0730si-mh-60r.html |date=15 August 2008}}. Lockheed Martin, 30 July 2008.</ref>

HSL squadrons in the US have been incrementally transitioning to the MH-60R and have nearly completed the transition. The first MH-60Rs in Japan arrived in October 2012. The recipient was HSM-51, the Navy's forward–deployed LAMPS squadron, home based in Atsugi, Japan. The Warlords transitioned from the SH-60B throughout 2013, and shifted each detachment to the new aircraft as they returned from deployments. HSM-51 will have all MH-60R aircraft at the end of 2013. The Warlords are joined by the Saberhawks of HSM-77.

thumb|A MH-60S deploying search and rescue swimmers. On 23 July 2013, Sikorsky delivered the 400th MH-60, an MH-60R, to the U.S. Navy. This included 166 MH-60R variants and 234 MH-60S variants. The MH-60S is in production until 2015 and will total a fleet of 275 aircraft, and the MH-60R is in production until 2017 and will total a fleet of 291 aircraft. The two models have flown 660,000 flight hours. Seahawk helicopters are to remain in Navy service into the 2030s.<ref>[http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sikorsky-delivers-400th-mh-60-seahawk-helicopter-to-us-navy-2013-07-23 Sikorsky Delivers 400th MH-60 Seahawk Helicopter to U.S. Navy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801110341/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sikorsky-delivers-400th-mh-60-seahawk-helicopter-to-us-navy-2013-07-23 |date=1 August 2013}} - Marketwatch.com, 23 July 2013</ref>

The SH-60B Seahawk completed its last active-duty deployment for the U.S. Navy in late April 2015 after a seven-month deployment aboard {{USS|Gary|FFG-51|6}}. After 32 years and over 3.6 million hours of service, the SH-60B was formally retired from U.S. Navy service during a ceremony on 11 May 2015 at Naval Air Station North Island.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.cbs8.com/story/29037854/navy-retires-the-sh-60b-seahawk |title= Navy retires the SH-60B Seahawk |publisher= CBS 8 |location= San Diego |first= Abbie |last= Alford |date= 11 May 2015 |access-date= 14 May 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150514173824/http://www.cbs8.com/story/29037854/navy-retires-the-sh-60b-seahawk |archive-date= 14 May 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>[http://news.usni.org/2015/04/20/uss-gary-returns-from-final-deployment-also-last-for-sh-60b-seahawks USS Gary Returns From Final Deployment; Also Last for SH-60B Seahawks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422015807/http://news.usni.org/2015/04/20/uss-gary-returns-from-final-deployment-also-last-for-sh-60b-seahawks |date=22 April 2015}} - News.USNI.org, 20 April 2015</ref> In late November 2015 {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71|6}} returned from its deployment, ending the last active-duty operational deployment of both the SH-60F and HH-60H. The models are to be transferred to other squadrons or placed in storage.<ref>[https://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/11/23/carrier-tr-returns-round--world-deployment/76267290/ Carrier Theodore Roosevelt returns from round-the-world deployment] - Navytimes.com, 23 November 2015</ref>

=== Indian Navy === {{See also|Sikorsky S-70#India}} On 17 February 2011, the Indian Defence Ministry rejected a US offer for the direct acquisition of 16 MH-60R Romeo helicopters through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. Instead, the Indian Navy continued with competitive bidding for its 16 Multi Role Helicopter (MRH) tender. This left behind only two contenders — Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk and NHIndustries NH90 — for the MRH tender launched in September 2008 which intended to replace the Sea King Mk 42B/C fleet. This required the helicopter for both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions. This was the second attempt for the MRH programme after the 2006 tender was cancelled.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-02-18|title=India to go for open bidding for Navy deal, rejects US offer|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/india-to-go-for-open-bidding-for-navy-deal-rejects-us-offer/articleshow/7515569.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221112225/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/india-to-go-for-open-bidding-for-navy-deal-rejects-us-offer/articleshow/7515569.cms|archive-date=2011-02-21|access-date=2026-02-07|work=The Economic Times|issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Following trials that lasted until late 2011,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-07-09 |title=Scrappy Indian Navy Copter Bid Nears End - Livefist |url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/scrappy-indian-navy-copter-bid-nears/ |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=livefistdefence.com |language=en-US}}</ref> the S-70B was selected in the commercial bidding stage.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Indian Navy Selects Sikorsky’s S-70B SEAHAWK® Aircraft for Multi-role Helicopter Requirement |date=2014-12-05 |publisher=Sikorsky |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2014-12-05-Indian-Navy-Selects-Sikorsky-s-S-70B-SEAHAWK-Aircraft-for-Multi-role-Helicopter-Requirement |access-date=2026-02-07}}</ref><ref name="janes.com">{{cite web |title=Indian MoD opts for Seahawk in navy's MRH tender - IHS Jane's 360 |url=http://www.janes.com/article/45511/indian-mod-opts-for-seahawk-in-navy-s-mrh-tender |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912170102/http://www.janes.com/article/45511/indian-mod-opts-for-seahawk-in-navy-s-mrh-tender |archive-date=12 September 2015 |access-date=10 November 2014}}</ref> However, in June 2017, India's Ministry of Defence terminated the procurement programme, since the Cost Negotiation Committee (CNC) had been in a deadlock with Sikorsky since 2014 and even after Lockheed Martin took over the firm.<ref name="India scraps planned acquisition2">{{cite web |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |date=15 June 2017 |title=India scraps planned acquisition of S-70B Seahawk helos |url=http://www.janes.com/article/71461/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170615210529/http://www.janes.com/article/71461/india-scraps-planned-acquisition-of-s-70b-seahawk-helos |archive-date=15 June 2017 |access-date=15 June 2017 |website=IHS Jane's 360 |location=New Delhi}}</ref>

Thereafter, in August 2018, India's Defence Ministry approved the purchase of 24 multirole helicopters.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-08-25 |title=DAC Approves Procurement for Services amounting to Nearly Rs. 46,000 Crores |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=183066 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250903181920/https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=183066 |archive-date=2025-09-03 |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Press Information Bureau}}</ref><ref name="2018-08-27_DN">{{Cite web |last=Raghuvanshi |first=Vivek |date=2018-08-27 |title=India is one step closer to spending billions on new naval helicopters from US, allies |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2018/08/27/india-is-one-step-closer-to-spending-billions-on-new-naval-helicopters-from-us-allies/ |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> As of November 2018, The Indian Express reported that India has sought the multirole MH-60R from the US and has sent a letter of request in that case. The procurement is expected to cost $2 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-11-17 |title=India seeks MH-60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters from US |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-seeks-mh-60-romeo-seahawk-helicopters-from-us-5451204/ |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> In April 2019, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved the sale of 24 MH-60R anti-submarine helicopters through the FMS route to India for US$2.6 billion and notified Congress of the proposed sale.<ref name="dsca.mil">{{cite web|title=India – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters|url=https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/india-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403104652/https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/india-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters|archive-date=3 April 2019|access-date=3 April 2019|work=US Defense Security Cooperation Agency}}</ref>

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister of India, cleared the deal for 26 MH-60R Romeo helicopters on 19 February 2020. This was a week ahead of the visit of Donald Trump, the then POTUS, to India. The programme will act as a stopgap measure until the Navy's requirement of 123 helicopters under the Naval Multi Role Helicopter (NMRH) is fulfilled.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2020-02-19 |title=Cabinet clears $2.4 billion deal for MH-60 Romeo helicopters for Navy ahead of Trump visit |url=https://theprint.in/defence/cabinet-clears-2-4-billion-deal-for-mh-60-romeo-helicopters-for-navy-ahead-of-trump-visit/368061/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240622040656/https://theprint.in/defence/cabinet-clears-2-4-billion-deal-for-mh-60-romeo-helicopters-for-navy-ahead-of-trump-visit/368061/ |archive-date=2024-06-22 |access-date=2026-02-07 |work=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> India signed a $2.12 billion ({{Indian rupee|15157}} crore) deal with the US on 26 February. Six of the aircraft will be delivered in 2021 with the rest delivered within two years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shivangi |date=2020-02-26 |title=India signs deal to acquire MH-60 Sikorsky Romeo helicopters from US |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/india-and-us-sign-deal-to-acquire-mh-60-sikorsky-romeo-helicopters/ |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=Naval Technology |language=en-US}}</ref> These helicopters are to aid in detecting and destroying enemy submarines prowling in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).<ref name="news18.com">{{Cite web |date=7 June 2021 |title=Indian Navy Set to Receive Three MH-60 'Romeo' Multi-role Helicopters from US in July |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/indian-navy-set-to-receive-three-mh-60-romeo-multi-role-helicopters-from-us-in-july-3819941.html |access-date=8 June 2021 |website= news18.com}}</ref>

On 16 July 2021, the U.S. Navy transferred the first two MH-60Rs to the Indian Navy at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego. The US Navy will be responsible for capability upgrades and sustainment during Indian Navy operations.<ref name="indiatoday.in">{{Cite web |author1=Negi, Manjeet |author2=Bhalla, Abhishek |title=Indian Navy receives first two 24 MH-60R helicopters from US |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-receives-first-two-mh-60r-helicopters-from-us-1829217-2021-07-17 |date= 17 July 2021 |access-date=18 July 2021 |website=India Today}}</ref> In December 2023, it has reported that the 6th helicopter was delivered to the Navy.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Sentinels |first=India |title=Lockheed Martin delivers 6th MH-60R 'Romeo' helicopter to Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiasentinels.com/navy/lockheed-martin-delivers-6th-mh-60r-romeo-helicopter-to-indian-navy-6070 |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=www.indiasentinels.com}}</ref>

The MH-60Rs have been integrated with the Navy's aircraft carrier INS ''Vikrant''. The new helicopters can be used for rescue operations, especially in night search and rescue missions, as they have night vision goggles and forward-looking infrared facilities. They participated in the Exercise Milan-2024 held by the Navy.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

On 6 March 2024, the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the INAS 334 Naval Squadron at INS Garuda, Kochi under commanding officer Captain M Abhishek Ram.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=1 March 2024 |title=Kochi to house 1st MH60R Seahawk chopper squadron |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kochi-to-house-1st-mh60r-seahawk-chopper-squadron/articleshow/108126323.cms |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |title=MH 60R helicopter: Indian Navy to bolster anti-submarine warfare capabilities with MH 60R helicopter induction |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-navy-to-bolster-anti-submarine-warfare-capabilities-with-mh-60r-helicopter-induction/articleshow/108110155.cms |access-date=1 March 2024 |website=The Economic Times|date=29 February 2024}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Paul |first=John L. |date=29 February 2024 |title=Six MH 60R multi-mission helicopters to be commissioned into Indian Navy in March |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/six-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters-to-be-commissioned-into-indian-navy-in-march/article67899848.ece |access-date=1 March 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite web |last=Lariosa |first=Aaron-Matthew |title=Indian Navy Stands Up First MH-60R Anti-Submarine Helo Squadron |website=USNI News |date=7 March 2024 |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/03/07/indian-navy-stands-up-first-mh-60r-anti-submarine-helo-squadron |access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref>

On 24 August 2024, DSCA approved a possible order worth $52.8 million for sonobuoys and related equipment. The deal includes the sale of 3 types of High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW) sonobuoys including AN/SSQ-53G/O{{Efn|Passive sonobuoys deploying DIFAR (Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording) technology and identifies the direction of the sound source. Pre-launch and remote control (post launch) modes are available by its EFS (Electronic Function Selection) and CFS (Command Function Select) features, respectively. It can be launched from an altitude of up to 9,144 meters and operate at depths of up to 300 meters.}}, AN/SSQ-62F{{Efn|Active sonobuoys deploying DICASS (Directional, Coherent, Active Sonar System) technology and GPS for accurate location. It can be launched from an altitude of up to 9,000 meters and operate at depths of up to 460 meters.}}, and AN/SSQ-36{{Efn|Bathythermobuoy to provide critical data like salinity and temperature which effects the speed of sound and other parameters for submarine detection to nearby sonobuoys and ASW helicopters.}} sonobuoys may be a part of the deal. The sonobuoys are to be integrated onboard MH-60R for ASW operations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-24 |title=India to get advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Sonobuoys and related equipment for USD 52.8 Million |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/global/story/india-to-get-advanced-anti-submarine-warfare-asw-sonobuoys-and-related-equipment-for-usd-528-million-2587416-2024-08-24 |access-date=2024-08-25 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-08-24 |title=US approves sale of anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys to India for $52.8 million |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-approves-sale-of-anti-submarine-warfare-sonobuoys-to-india-for-52-8-million/articleshow/112753145.cms |access-date=2024-08-25 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US To Sell Anti-Submarine Sonobuoys To India, Pentagon Tells Congress |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/us-to-sell-anti-submarine-sonobuoys-to-india-pentagon-tells-congress-6545384 |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The Indian Navy is planning to acquire over 500 anti-submarine sonobuoys for the MH-60 fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-09 |title=Explained: India's $52.8 million solution to tackle threats from submarines |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/explained-india-navy-anti-submarine-sonobuoys-1.9886654 |access-date=2024-09-10 |website=English.Mathrubhumi.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-12 |title=India's new $52.8 million submarine shield: How this new tech can fortify the nation's waters against growing Chinese forays |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indias-new-52-8-million-submarine-shield-how-this-new-tech-can-fortify-the-nations-waters-against-growing-chinese-forays/articleshow/113275409.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-09-16 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> On 6 October 2024, DSCA further cleared the possible sale of 53 aircraft-launched MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedo all up rounds for its MH-60R fleet and associated equipment and support, including “in-country torpedo training”.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ferran |first=Lee |date=2024-10-07 |title=US greenlights 'electronic attack' system for Italy, torpedoes for India and radars for Romania |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/10/us-greenlights-electronic-attack-system-for-italy-torpedoes-for-india-and-radars-for-romania/ |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

As per Ministry of Defence reports on 26 December 2024, the first nine helicopters were delivered and put into service on the fleet ships. The helicopters took part in exercises like MALABAR, SIMBEX and MILAN 24 in the year.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2024-12-26 |title=YEAR END REVIEW 2024 |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2088180 |access-date=2024-12-27 |work=Press Information Bureau}}</ref>

On 28 November 2025, India and the US signed the Letters of Order and Acceptance (LOA), worth {{INRConvert|7995|c|lk=|year=2025}}, for the sustainment support the Indian Navy's MH-60R fleet for five years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India, US sign Rs 7,995 crore deal for sustainment of Navy’s MH60R helicopters|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-us-sign-rs-7995-crore-deal-for-sustainment-of-navys-mh60r-helicopters-2827825-2025-11-28|website=India Today|date=2025-11-28|access-date=2025-11-28|language=en|first=Shivani|last=Sharma}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=India-US sign Rs 7,995 cr agreement for Navy's MH-60R helicopter fleet support: Defence Ministry|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-us-sign-rs-7995-cr-agreement-for-navys-mh-60r-helicopter-fleet-support-defence-ministry/articleshow/125634826.cms?from=mdr|work=The Economic Times|date=2025-11-28|access-date=2025-11-28|issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Over 20 of the helicopters were expected to be in service as of then.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2025-11-28 |title=‘Rs 7995 cr deal’: What is MH-60R helicopter that India is buying from the US? |url=https://www.wionews.com/photos/-rs-7995-cr-deal-what-is-mh-60r-helicopter-that-india-is-buying-from-the-us-1764340153744 |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=Wion |language=en}}</ref> The rest would be delivered by the end of 2026.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=I. M. R. |date=2025-03-17 |title=Lockheed Martin to Deliver All MH-60R Seahawks to Indian Navy by 2026 |url=https://imrmedia.in/lockheed-martin-to-deliver-all-mh-60r-seahawks-to-indian-navy-by-2026/ |access-date=2026-02-06 |website=IMR |language=en-US}}</ref> The Indian Navy's second squadron of MH-60R, INAS 335, was commissioned on 17 December 2025.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |date=2025-12-17 |title=Navy inducts INAS 335 'Ospreys': Helicopter to boost maritime capabilities - why it matters |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/navy-inducts-inas-335-ospreys-helicopter-to-boost-maritime-capabilities-why-it-matters/articleshow/126038331.cms |access-date=2025-12-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-17 |title=Navy inducts Seahawks squadron: What they are, how they will boost India's defence capabilities |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/navy-seahawks-squadron-10425441/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

Three delivered in 2021.<ref name=":9" /> 6th delivered in December 2023.<ref name="MH-60" /> 10 delivered as of March 2025. Rest to be delivered by 2026-end.<ref name=":7" /> 13 and 19 had been delivered as of June and July 2025.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /> Over 20 MH-60 delivered by November 2025.<ref name=":6" />

===Other and potential users=== [[File:First two RAN MH-60Rs before delivery.JPG|thumb|The first two Australian MH-60Rs arriving at Naval Air Station Jacksonville shortly before being delivered to the Royal Australian Navy, December 2013]] [[File:S70B Brazilian Navy.webm|thumb|Brazilian Navy S70B operating from ''Bahia'']]

Spain ordered 12 S-70B Seahawks for its Navy.<ref name=Leoni_p303-4>Leoni 2007, pp. 303–304.</ref> Spain requested six refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale in September 2010.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/Spain_10-60.pdf "Spain – Refurbishment of SH-60F Multi-Mission Utility Helicopters"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201123726/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/Spain_10-60.pdf |date=1 December 2011}}. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 30 September 2010.</ref><ref name=Spain_seeks_more>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/04/348098/spain-seeks-more-seahawk-helicopters.html |access-date=7 October 2010 |title=Spain seeks more Seahawk helicopters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117165814/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/10/04/348098/spain-seeks-more-seahawk-helicopters.html |archive-date=17 November 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ordered 16 S-70B-2s which were delivered in 1988 and 1989.<ref name="RANS-70B">{{cite web |title=Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawk |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/aircraft/sikorsky-s-70b-2-seahawk |website=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=11 October 2021}}</ref> In December 2017, the S-70B-2s were retired from service.<ref name="RANS-70B"/> The S-70B-2 served extensively in the Middle East, embarked on the {{sclass|Adelaide|frigate|0}} and the {{Sclass|Anzac|frigate|0}} frigates.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chief of Navy Address at HMAS Albatross Divisions HMAS Albatross |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/media-room/publications/chief-navy-speeches-hmas-albatross-divisions |website=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=11 October 2021 |date=1 December 2017}}</ref> 11 S-70B-2 were sold to Skyline Aviation Group.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.helis.com/database/news/s-70b-australia-seahawk-sold/ |title=Skyline Aviation Group Acquired Australian Seahawks |access-date=6 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020434/https://www.helis.com/database/news/s-70b-australia-seahawk-sold/ |archive-date=7 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Under Project AIR 9000 Phase 8, the MH-60R competed with the NHIndustries NH90 to replace the S-70B-2.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Defence Minister John Faulkner |title=New naval combat helicopter tender release |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/90tpl.cfm?CurrentId=10204 |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214040510/http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/90tpl.cfm?CurrentId=10204 |archive-date=14 February 2014 |date=28 April 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2011, the MH-60R was selected to replace the S-70B-2.<ref name="Minister2011">{{cite press release |author1=Minister for Defence Stephen Smith |title=Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel New Naval Combat Helicopters |url=http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/06/16/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-new-naval-combat-helicopters/ |website=Department of Defence Ministers |access-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620080035/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/06/16/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-new-naval-combat-helicopters/ |archive-date=20 June 2011 |date=16 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 24 MH-60Rs were ordered to be equipped with the Mark 54 and the Hellfire with deliveries commencing in mid-2014.<ref name="Minister2011"/> The US approved a Foreign Military Sale of 24 MH-60Rs in July 2010.<ref>{{Cite press release|title=Australia – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters|website=Defense Security Cooperation Agency|date=9 July 2010|series=Transmittal No. 10-37|access-date=11 October 2021}}</ref> The first MH-60R was delivered to the RAN in 2013 and the last was delivered in 2016.<ref name="RANMH-60R">{{cite web |title=MH-60R Seahawk |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/aircraft/mh-60r-seahawk |website=Royal Australian Navy |access-date=11 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Final RAN Seahawk Romeo handed over |url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2016/09/final-ran-seahawk-romeo-handed-over/ |access-date=14 September 2016 |work=Australian Aviation |date=12 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119110738/http://australianaviation.com.au/2016/09/final-ran-seahawk-romeo-handed-over/ |archive-date=19 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Australia signed a 10-year agreement with the US Navy to support the MH-60R.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yeo |first1=Mike |title=Australian Navy gets more out of the Seahawk helicopter than originally planned |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/avalon/2019/03/06/australian-navy-gets-more-out-of-the-seahawk-helicopter-than-originally-planned/ |access-date=11 October 2021 |work=DefenseNews |date=7 March 2019}}</ref> The Department of Defence in the ''2020 Force Structure Plan'' reported it planned to expand and rationalise the RAN's MRH-90 Taipan fleet used for support and logistics.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Department of Defence |title=2020 Force Structure Plan |date=2020 |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |isbn=9780994168061 |url=https://www1.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-11/2020_Force_Structure_Plan.pdf |page=37|access-date=2 October 2021}}</ref> In October 2021, the US approved a Foreign Military Sale to Australia of 12 MH-60Rs.<ref name="USFMS21">{{Cite press release|title=Australia – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and related defense services|url=https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters-and-related-defense|website=Defense Security Cooperation Agency|date=8 October 2021|series=Transmittal No. 21-61|access-date=11 October 2021}}</ref> In May 2022, the Australian government announced that it would purchase 12 MH-60Rs to replace the MRH-90 fleet.<ref>{{cite press release |author1=Prime Minister Scott Morrison |author2=Minister for Defence Peter Dutton|author3=Minister for Defence Industry, Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price |title=Securing our national security and local defence jobs and skills |url=https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/05/09/securing-our-national-security-and-local-defence-jobs-and-skillshttps://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/05/09/securing-our-national-security-and-local-defence-jobs-and-skills |website=Liberal Party of Australia |access-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509013723/https://www.liberal.org.au/latest-news/2022/05/09/securing-our-national-security-and-local-defence-jobs-and-skills |archive-date=9 May 2022 |date=9 May 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The government placed the order in September 2022.<ref name="LMSept2022">{{cite press release |title=Lockheed Martin to produce 12 more MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters for the Royal Australian Navy |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2022-09-20-Lockheed-Martin-to-Produce-12-More-MH-60R-SEAHAWK-Helicopters-for-the-Royal-Australian-Navy |website=Lockheed Martin |access-date=5 October 2022 |date=20 September 2022}}</ref>

The Royal Danish Navy (RDN) put the MH-60R on a short list for a requirement of around 12 new naval helicopters, together with the NH90/NFH, H-92, AW159 and AW101. The Request For Proposal was issued in September 2010.<ref>[http://forsvaret.dk/FMT/Nyt%20og%20Presse/Pages/N%C3%A6steskridttilanskaffelseafnyhelikopter.aspx Danish Request For Proposal] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101102144134/http://forsvaret.dk/FMT/Nyt%20og%20Presse/Pages/N%C3%A6steskridttilanskaffelseafnyhelikopter.aspx |date=2 November 2010}}. forsvaret.dk</ref> In November 2010, Denmark requested approval for a possible purchase of 12 MH-60Rs through a Foreign Military Sale.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/Denmark_10-73.pdf "Denmark – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214221809/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/Denmark_10-73.pdf |date=14 December 2010}}. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 30 November 2010.</ref><ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/13/350862/denmark-requests-seahawk-helicopter-buy.html "Denmark requests Seahawk helicopter buy"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216080431/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/13/350862/denmark-requests-seahawk-helicopter-buy.html |date=16 December 2010}}. ''Flight Global'', 13 December 2010. Retrieved: 14 December 2010.</ref> In November 2012, Denmark selected 9 MH-60Rs to replace its 7 aging Lynx helicopters.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/denmark-confirms-mh-60r-selection-to-replace-lynx-helicopters-379331/ "Denmark confirms MH-60R selection to replace Lynx helicopters"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130045134/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/denmark-confirms-mh-60r-selection-to-replace-lynx-helicopters-379331/ |date=30 November 2012}}. ''Flight Global'', 21 November 2012. Retrieved: 21 November 2012.</ref> In October 2015, the US Navy accepted two mission ready MH-60R helicopters for Denmark.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lockheedmartin.com/us/products/mh60r/denmark-delivery.html |title=MH-60R Denmark Delivery |access-date=21 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921143941/http://lockheedmartin.com/us/products/mh60r/denmark-delivery.html |archive-date=21 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018, Lockheed Martin was in the process of delivering the ninth and final MH-60R to Denmark.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tringham |first1=Kate |title=Euronaval 2018: Lockheed Martin prepares to deliver final Danish MH-60R helicopter, eyes future markets |url=https://www.janes.com/article/83999/euronaval-2018-lockheed-martin-prepares-to-deliver-final-danish-mh-60r-helicopter-eyes-future-markets |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=30 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024124701/https://www.janes.com/article/83999/euronaval-2018-lockheed-martin-prepares-to-deliver-final-danish-mh-60r-helicopter-eyes-future-markets |archive-date=24 October 2018 |location=Paris |date=23 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2009, the Republic of Korea requested eight MH-60S helicopters, 16 GE T700-401C engines, and related sensor systems to be sold in a Foreign Military Sale.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2009/Korea_09-27.pdf "Korea – MH-60S Multi-Mission Helicopters"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090806044023/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2009/Korea_09-27.pdf |date=6 August 2009}}. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 22 July 2009.</ref> South Korea instead chose the AW159 in January 2013.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/south-korea-picks-aw159-for-maritime-helicopter-deal-381045/ "South Korea picks AW159 for maritime helicopter deal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120111727/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/south-korea-picks-aw159-for-maritime-helicopter-deal-381045/ |date=20 January 2013}}. ''Flight International'', 15 January 2013.</ref> In December 2020, the South Korean government purchased 12 MH-60Rs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2020/12/205_301297.html|title='Military's decision to buy US helicopters could be diplomatic choice'|date=22 December 2020 |author=Jung Da-min |website=The Korea Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919173217/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2020/12/205_301297.html |archive-date= 19 September 2023}}</ref>

In July 2010 Tunisia requested 12 refurbished SH-60Fs through a Foreign Military Sale.<ref>{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/TU_10-11.pdf |title=Tunisia – Refurbishment of Twelve SH-60F Multi-Mission Helicopters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714071906/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2010/TU_10-11.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2010 |website=US Defense Security Cooperation Agency |date=2 July 2010}}</ref> But the change in government there in January 2011 may interfere with an order.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/SH-60F-Seahawk-Helis-for-Tunisia-06474 |website=Defense Industry Daily |title=SH-60F Seahawk Helis for Tunisia|access-date=1 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722230245/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/SH-60F-Seahawk-Helis-for-Tunisia-06474/|archive-date=22 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, Qatar requested a potential Foreign Military Sale of up to 6 MH-60R helicopters, engines and other associated equipment.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2011/Qatar_11-26.pdf |title=Qatar - MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Mission Helicopters |website=Defense Security Cooperation Agency |access-date=13 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928224506/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2011/Qatar_11-26.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2011}}</ref> In late June 2012, Qatar requested another 22 Seahawks, 12 fitted with the armed helicopter modification kit and T700-401C engines with an option to purchase an additional six Seahawks and more engines.<ref>[http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2012/Qatar_12-13.pdf "Qatar – MH-60R and MH-60S Multi-Mission Helicopters"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722031342/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2012/Qatar_12-13.pdf |date=22 July 2012}}. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 28 June 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-keen-on-2-5bn-us-helicopters-deal-464046.html |title=Qatar keen on $2.5bn US helicopters deal |author=Sambridge, Andy |publisher=ArabianBusiness.com |date=30 June 2012 |access-date=1 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703000050/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/qatar-keen-on-2-5bn-us-helicopters-deal-464046.html |archive-date=3 July 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, Singapore bought six S-70Bs. In 2013, they ordered an additional two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-orders-two-additional-s-70b-helicopters-382523/|title=Singapore orders two additional S-70B helicopters|work=Flight Global|date=20 February 2013|access-date=2 February 2015|author=Waldron, Gregg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202235859/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-orders-two-additional-s-70b-helicopters-382523/|archive-date=2 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early 2015, Israel ordered eight ex-Navy SH-60Fs to support the expansion of the Israeli Navy surface fleet for ASW, ASuW and SAR roles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mako.co.il/news-military/security-q1_2015/Article-638696a9a9c9b41004.htm |title=צפו: המסוק החדש של חיל הים מפגין ביצועים |date=18 February 2015 |access-date=1 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218220044/http://www.mako.co.il/news-military/security-q1_2015/Article-638696a9a9c9b41004.htm |archive-date=18 February 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Saudi Arabia requested the sale of ten MH-60R helicopters and associated equipment and support for the Royal Saudi Navy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/163865/us-approves-$1.9bn-sale-of-mh_60r-helicopters-to-saudi-arabia.html |title=Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters |website=www.defense-aerospace.com |access-date=1 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630093944/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/163865/us-approves-%241.9bn-sale-of-mh_60r-helicopters-to-saudi-arabia.html |archive-date=30 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters |title=Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters - The Official Home of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency |website=www.dsca.mil |access-date=1 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527104223/http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kingdom-saudi-arabia-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters |archive-date=27 May 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, Malaysia considered purchasing new helicopters for its Royal Malaysian Navy, with the MH-60R Seahawk, AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat, or the Airbus Helicopters H225M under evaluation for the role.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/20160223_aw-159.html |title=AW-159 – Asian Navies Evaluate Acquisition of ASW Helicopters |publisher=Defense Update |date=23 February 2016 |access-date=19 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404065501/http://defense-update.com/20160223_aw-159.html |archive-date=4 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2018, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency received U.S. State Department approval and notified Congress of a possible sale to Mexican Navy of eight MH-60Rs, spare engines, and associated systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://navaltoday.com/2018/04/20/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-mh-60r-helicopters-to-mexico/|title=US State Department approves sale of MH-60R helicopters to Mexico|website=navaltoday.com|date=20 April 2018|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503042059/https://navaltoday.com/2018/04/20/us-state-department-approves-sale-of-mh-60r-helicopters-to-mexico/|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/mexico-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters |title=Mexico – MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters |publisher=US DSCA |date=19 April 2018 |access-date=2 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423064132/http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/mexico-mh-60r-multi-mission-helicopters |archive-date=23 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2018, Mexico's president planned to cancel the MH-60 sale to cut government spending.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexicos-president-elect-says-hell-stop-us-copter-purchase/2018/07/11/19eb183c-8550-11e8-9e06-4db52ac42e05_story.html |title=Mexico's president-elect says he'll stop US helicopter deal - the Washington Post |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=22 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720235725/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexicos-president-elect-says-hell-stop-us-copter-purchase/2018/07/11/19eb183c-8550-11e8-9e06-4db52ac42e05_story.html |archive-date=20 July 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2022, the Royal Norwegian Air Force considered the UH-60 as a replacement for the NHIndustries NH90.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dalløkken |first1=Per Erlien |title=Det er vanskelig å se for seg at NH90 blir erstattet av noe annet enn Seahawk |date=5 November 2022 |url=https://www.tu.no/artikler/det-er-vanskelig-a-se-for-seg-at-nh90-blir-erstattet-av-noe-annet-enn-seahawk/523370?key=uNJkvGwx |publisher=Teknisk Ukeblad |access-date=8 November 2022 |language=Norwegian}}</ref> In March 2023, Norway decided to procure MH-60R Sea Hawks for the Norwegian Coast Guard. Training is to start immediately in cooperation with the Royal Danish Air Force. The U.S. government decided to reallocate three MH-60Rs originally destined for the U.S. Navy to the Norwegian Coast Guard, with an estimated delivery in the summer of 2025. Norway will procure six MH-60Rs, with the remaining three delivered by 2027. Norway is considering procuring additional helicopters for the anti-submarine warfare role for the Royal Norwegian Navy {{sclass|Fridtjof Nansen|frigate|1}}, pending review into how to best satisfy the navy's ASW needs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Skoglund |first1=Kari Anne |title=Forsvaret med ny milliardinvestering |url=https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/forsvaret-med-ny-milliardinvestering-1.16335925 |website=NRK |access-date=25 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321134925/https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/forsvaret-med-ny-milliardinvestering-1.16335925 |archive-date=21 March 2023 |language=nb-NO |date=14 March 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2023, Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to deliver eight MH-60Rs to the Spanish Navy.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-naval-defense/naval-defense-2023/spanish-navy-to-reveive-8-sikorsky-mh-60r-seahawk-helicopters-from-us | title=Spanish Navy to receive 8 Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from US | date=13 October 2023}}</ref>

On 21 August 2025, New Zealand's Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced the intention to purchase five MH-60R Seahawks.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/govt-confirms-replacements-ageing-defence-force-aircraft-rnz | title=Govt confirms replacements for ageing Defence Force aircraft | date=21 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/defence-helicopter-plane-decisions-announced | title=Defence helicopter, plane decisions announced}}</ref>

==Variants==

===U.S. variants=== thumb|MH-60S empty cabin and sling load mechanism

* '''YSH-60B Seahawk''': Developmental variant, led to SH-60B; five built.<ref name=dod>[http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/412015l.pdf DoD 4120-15L, ''Model Designation of Military Aerospace Vehicles''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025181044/http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/412015l.pdf |date=25 October 2007}}. US DoD, 12 May 2004.</ref> * '''SH-60B Seahawk''': Anti-submarine warfare helicopter, equipped with an APS-124 search radar and an ALQ-142 ESM system under the nose, also fitted with a 25-tube sonobuoy launcher on the left side and modified landing gear; 181 built for the US Navy.<ref name="Sikorsky Archives S-70B">{{cite web |url= https://sikorskyarchives.com/home/sikorsky-product-history/helicopter-innovation-era/sikorsky-s-70b/ |title= Sikorsky S-70B |series= Sikorsky Product History |publisher= The Igor I Sikorsky Historical Archives (sikorskyarchives.com) |access-date= 2025-11-27 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20250922033001/https://sikorskyarchives.com/home/sikorsky-product-history/helicopter-innovation-era/sikorsky-s-70b/ |archive-date= 2025-09-22 |url-status= live }}</ref> * '''NSH-60B Seahawk''': Permanently configured for flight testing.<ref name=dod/> * '''CH-60E''': Proposed troop transport variant for the U.S. Marine Corps. Not built.<ref name=Donald_S-70>Donald, David, ed. "Sikorsky S-70". ''The Complete Encyclopedia of World Aircraft''. Barnes & Noble Books, 1997. {{ISBN|0-7607-0592-5}}.</ref> * '''SH-60F "Oceanhawk"''': Carrier-borne anti-submarine warfare helicopter, equipped with AQS-13F dipping sonar; 76 built for the U.S. Navy.<ref name="Sikorsky Archives S-70B"/> * '''NSH-60F Seahawk''': Modified SH-60F to support the VH-60N Cockpit Upgrade Program.<ref name=dod/> * '''HH-60H "Rescue Hawk"''': Search-and-rescue helicopter for the U.S. Navy; 45 built.<ref name="Sikorsky Archives S-70B"/> * '''XSH-60J''': Two U.S.-built pattern aircraft for Japan. * '''SH-60J''': Anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. * '''YSH-60R Seahawk''': * '''MH-60R Seahawk''': Anti-submarine warfare helicopter with capability for vertical resupply missions and search & rescue operations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MH-60R SEAHAWK® Helicopters |url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/sikorsky-mh-60-seahawk-helicopters.html |access-date=27 October 2023 |website=Lockheed Martin |language=en}}</ref> * '''YCH-60S "Knighthawk"''': Prototype; converted to MH-60S in 2001. * '''MH-60S "Knighthawk"''': Used for vertical resupply missions, search & rescue operations, special warfare support, and airborne mine countermeasures. Entered service in February 2002. * '''HH-60J/MH-60T Jayhawk''': U.S. Coast Guard variant. The HH-60J was developed with the HH-60H, the MH-60T is an upgrade to the HH-60J. 42 of the HH-60H were built, all of which were eventually upgraded to MH-60T.<ref name="Sikorsky Archives S-70B"/>

===Export variants=== thumb|View of front of MH-60R, 2010 thumb|S-70B-28 Seahawk on the deck of TCG ANADOLU * '''S-70B Seahawk''': Sikorsky's designation for Seahawk. Designation is often used for exports. ** S-70B-1 Seahawk: Anti-submarine variant for the Spanish Navy. The Seahawk is configured with the LAMPS (Light Airborne Multipurpose System) ** S-70B-2 Seahawk: Anti-submarine variant for the Royal Australian Navy, similar to the SH-60B Seahawk in U.S. Navy operation. ** S-70B-3 Seahawk: Anti-submarine variant for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. Also known as the SH-60J. The JMSDF ordered 101 units, with deliveries starting in 1991. ** S-70-4 Seahawk: Sikorsky's designation for the SH-60F Oceanhawk. ** S-70-5: Sikorsky's designation for the HH-60H Rescue Hawk and HH-60J Jayhawk. ** S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk: the Greek military variant which is a blend of the SH-60B and F models, based on Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy's S-70C(M)1/2. ** S-70B-7 Seahawk: Export variant for the Royal Thai Navy. ** S-70B-28 Seahawk: Export variant for Turkey.

[[File:ROCN S-70C(M) 2307 Dropping Sonobuoy in Zuoying Naval Base 20141123c.jpg|thumb|Republic of China Navy S-70C(M)-1/2 Thunderhawk dropping a sonobuoy at Zuoying Naval Base in 2014]] * '''S-70C''': Designation for civil variants of the H-60. ** S-70C(M)-1/2 Thunderhawk: Export variant for the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy, equipped with an undernose radar and a dipping sonar. The S-70C(M)-1 has the CT7-2D1 engines whereas S-70C(M)-2 is uprated with the T700-GE-401C turboshafts. ** S-70C-2: 24 radar-equipped UH-60 Black Hawks for China, the delivery of the helicopters was halted by an embargo. ** S-70C-6 Super Blue Hawk: Search-and-rescue helicopter for Taiwan, equipped with undernose radar, plus provision for four external fuel tanks on two sub wings. ** S-70C-14: VIP transport variant for Brunei; two built. ** S-70A (N) Naval Hawk: Maritime variant that blends the S-70A Black Hawk and S-70B Seahawk designs. * '''S-70L''': Sikorsky's original designation for the SH-60B Seahawk. * '''SH-16''': Brazilian Navy designation of the SH-60.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Military Aircraft Designations |url=https://designation-systems.net/non-us/brazil.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=designation-systems.net}}</ref>

==Operators== thumb|Map with SH-60 users in blue thumb|A Hellenic Navy S-70B-6 Aegean Hawk thumb|MH-60R Seahawk helicopter of Indian Navy [[File:SH-60J landing (modified).jpg|thumb|A JMSDF SH-60J lands on board {{USS|Russell|DDG-59|6}}.]] [[File:ROCN S-70C(M) 2307 Flying over Zuoying Naval Base in Morning 20141123a.jpg|thumb|Republic of China Navy S-70C(M) Thunderhawks]]

;{{AUS}} * Royal Australian Navy – 23 MH-60R Seahawks in service as of October 2021<ref>{{cite press release |title=Three aircrew safe after helicopter ditched in the Philippine Sea |url=https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/three-aircrew-safe-after-helicopter-ditched-philippine-sea |website=Department of Defence |access-date=9 January 2022 |date=14 October 2021 |archive-date=21 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021104624/https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/three-aircrew-safe-after-helicopter-ditched-philippine-sea |url-status=live}}</ref> (originally 24).<ref name="RANMH-60R"/> In September 2022, Australia ordered 12 additional MH-60Rs<ref name="LMSept2022"/> and a replacement aircraft for the one lost, with delivery by the end of 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Seahawk fleet takes flight with expansion |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/special-reports/indo-pacific/seahawk-fleet-takes-flight-with-expansion/news-story/7bc1d63abda053f1f8c9d43e45a7b4cb |work=The Australian |date=4 November 2025}}</ref> ;{{BRA}} * Brazilian Navy – 6 S-70B Seahawks in use.<ref name="World_Air_Forces_2019">{{cite web |author=Hoyle, Craig |date=20 April 2023 |title=MH-60R Seahawk: this is the new multi-mission helicopter that the Spanish Navy will receive |url=https://www.outono.net/elentir/2023/04/20/mh-60r-seahawk-this-is-the-new-multi-mission-helicopter-that-the-spanish-navy-will-receive/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123181847/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/ |archive-date=23 January 2019 |access-date=14 April 2019 |work=Flight Global}}</ref> ;{{DEN}} * Royal Danish Air Force – 9 MH-60R Seahawks in operation as of 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=MH-60R Seahawk |url=https://www.forsvaret.dk/da/materiel2/mh-60r-seahawk/ |access-date=14 November 2023 |website=Forsvaret |language=da}}</ref> ;{{GRE}} * Hellenic Navy – 11 S-70B6 Aegean Hawks in use as of December 2018.<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/> 7 MH-60Rs on order with three delivered as of March 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ptisidiastima.com/greece-signed-2-loa-for-4-mh60r-and-s70-modernization/ |title=EKTAKTO: Υπεγράφησαν οι LOA για την αγορά των τεσσάρων MH-60R καθώς και τον εκσυγχρονισμό/FOS των S-70B6, το πρώτο μείζον πρόγραμμα του ΠΝ |date=31 July 2020 |language=el}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28171/Lockheed_Wins__194M_for_Greek_MH_60R_Helos#.X8Y4vIuP7IV |title=Lockheed Wins $194M for Greek MH-60R Helos |access-date=1 December 2020 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204201722/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28171/Lockheed_Wins__194M_for_Greek_MH_60R_Helos#.X8Y4vIuP7IV |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28418/Greece_Expands_MH_60R_Helicopter_Order_to_7__Accelerates_Delivery_of_First_three#.X8Y5IIuP7IU |title= Greece Expands MH-60R Helicopter Order to 7, Accelerates Delivery of First three|date= 29 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Δημητράτος | first=Άρης | title=Έφτασε και το τρίτο Romeo στην Ελλάδα: Αρχίζει η εκπαίδευση στα τρία ανθυποβρυχιακά ελικόπτερα του Πολεμικού Ναυτικού [pics] | website=OnAlert | date=7 March 2024 | url=https://www.onalert.gr/eksoplismoi/eftase-kai-to-trito-romeo-stin-ellada-archizei-i-ekpaideysi-sta-tria-anthypovrychiaka-elikoptera-toy-polemikoy-naytikoy/562858/ | language=el | access-date=8 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Πολεμικό Ναυτικό: Παραδόθηκαν τα τρία νέα ελικόπτερα Romeo MH-60R Seahawk | website=Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ | date=2024-03-20 | url=https://www.kathimerini.gr/society/562940659/polemiko-naytiko-paradothikan-ta-tria-nea-elikoptera-romeo-mh-60r-seahawk/ | language=el | ref={{sfnref | Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ | 2024}} | access-date=2024-03-21}}</ref> ;{{IND}} * Indian Navy – 24 ordered in 2020. Three delivered in 2021.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2025-11-28 |title=India seals ₹7,995 crore deal with the U.S. for Navy’s MH-60R helicopter fleet support |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-seals-7995-crore-deal-with-the-us-for-navys-mh-60r-helicopter-fleet-support/article70336258.ece |access-date=2026-02-06 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> 6th delivered in December 2023.<ref name="MH-60">{{Cite web |last=Sentinels |first=India |date=2023-12-15 |title=Lockheed Martin delivers 6th MH-60R 'Romeo' helicopter to Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiasentinels.com/navy/lockheed-martin-delivers-6th-mh-60r-romeo-helicopter-to-indian-navy-6070 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=www.indiasentinels.com}}</ref> 10 delivered as of March 2025. Rest to be delivered by 2026-end.<ref name=":7" /> 13 and 19 had been delivered as of June and July 2025.<ref name=":10">{{cite news |date=7 June 2025 |title=Navy to commission up to 10 warships by December, led by first ASW Shallow-Water Craft Arnala |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-navy-commission-10-warships-december-arnala-10053433/ |access-date=7 June 2025 |newspaper=The Indian Express |quote=The Navy is also due to receive two more MH-60R Seahawk helicopters...Of the 24 ordered, 13 have been delivered so far.}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{cite news |date=7 June 2025 |title=Navy to commission up to 10 warships by December, led by first ASW Shallow-Water Craft Arnala |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/indian-navy-commission-10-warships-december-arnala-10053433/ |access-date=7 June 2025 |newspaper=The Indian Express |quote=The Navy is also due to receive two more MH-60R Seahawk helicopters...Of the 24 ordered, 13 have been delivered so far.}}</ref> Over 20 MH-60 delivered by November 2025.<ref name=":6" /> ** {{INS|Garuda}}, Kochi<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> *** INAS 334 ** {{INS|Hansa}}, Goa<ref name=":8" /> *** INAS 335 ;{{ISR}} * Israeli Navy – 8 ex-USN SH-60F on order<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-finalises-seahawk-sensor-configuration-441459/ |title=Israel finalises Seahawk sensor configuration |date=25 September 2017 |work=Flight Global |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526232101/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-finalises-seahawk-sensor-configuration-441459/ |archive-date=26 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/israel-excess-sh-60f-sea-hawk-helicopter-equipment-and-support |title=Israel – Excess SH-60F Sea-Hawk Helicopter Equipment and Support |date=6 July 2016 |access-date=14 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709202010/http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/israel-excess-sh-60f-sea-hawk-helicopter-equipment-and-support |archive-date=9 July 2016 |url-status=live |publisher=Defense Security Cooperation Agency}}</ref> ;{{JPN}} * See SH-60J/K ;{{NZL}} * New Zealand Military – 5 MH-60R in negotiation for purchase as of August 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maritime Helicopter Replacement {{!}} Ministry of Defence website |url=https://www.defence.govt.nz/our-work/equip/capability-projects/maritime-helicopter-replacement/ |access-date=2026-04-07 |website=www.defence.govt.nz}}</ref> ;{{NOR}} * Norwegian Coast Guard – 6 MH-60R on order<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.forsvaret.no/aktuelt-og-presse/presse/pressemeldinger/maritimt-helikopter | title=Seahawk blir Forsvarets nye maritime helikopter}}</ref> ;{{KOR}} * Republic of Korea Navy – 8 S-70/UH-60P in service as of December 2018<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/> with 12 MH-60R on order as of Dec. 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/001/0012082852?sid=100 |title= 차기 해상작전헬기 'MH-60R 시호크' 선정…2025년까지 12대 도입(종합) |publisher=Yonhop News |website=n.news.naver.com |access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref> ;{{SAU}} * Royal Saudi Navy – 1 MH-60R in use with 9 more on order as of December 2018<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/> ;{{SIN}} * Republic of Singapore Air Force – 8 S-70 Seahawks in service as of December 2018<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/> ;{{ESP}} * Spanish Navy – 20 SH-60B/Fs in service with 8 MH-60Rs remaining on order<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/> ;{{TWN-ROC}} * Republic of China Navy – 9 S-70C(M)-1 and 10 S-70C(M)-2 Thunderhawks in use as of December 2018<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/> ;{{THA}} * Royal Thai Navy – 6 S-70B and 2 MH-60S Seahawks<ref>{{cite web |title=อากาศนาวี |url=http://www2.fleet.navy.mi.th/thaifly/index.php/history/detail/history_id/122 |website=Royal Thai Navy |access-date=9 January 2022 |language=Thai |trans-title=Naval Air |date=14 April 2019 |archive-date=9 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109072259/http://www2.fleet.navy.mi.th/thaifly/index.php/history/detail/history_id/122 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title=MH-60S Helicopters Headed To Thailand In First International Delivery |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2011-08-08-MH-60S-Helicopters-Headed-to-Thailand-in-First-International-Delivery |website=Lockhead Martin |access-date=9 January 2022 |date=8 August 2011}}</ref> ;{{TUR}} * Turkish Naval Forces – 24 S-70 Seahawks in use as of December 2018<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/> ;{{USA}} * United States Navy – 526 HH/MH/SH-60 Seahawks in service as of December 2018<ref name=World_Air_Forces_2019/>

==Specifications (SH-60B)== right|400px {{Aircraft specs |ref=Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory,<ref>{{cite book|editor-last=Taylor|editor-first= M J H|title=Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000 Edition|year=1999|publisher=Brassey's|isbn=1-85753-245-7}}</ref> Navy fact file,<ref name=navy-sh-60/> Sikorsky S-70B brochure<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728113129/http://sikorsky.com/StaticFiles/Sikorsky/Assets/Attachments/Mission%20Downloads/S70-062_S70B_prochure.pdf|title=S-70B Seahawk Mission Brochure|archive-date=28 July 2013|url=http://sikorsky.com/StaticFiles/Sikorsky/Assets/Attachments/Mission%20Downloads/S70-062_S70B_prochure.pdf|website=Sikorsky.com}}</ref> Sikorsky MH-60R brochure,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/rms/documents/mh-60/MH-60R-trifold.pdf|title=MH-60R brochure|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423170247/https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/rms/documents/mh-60/MH-60R-trifold.pdf|archive-date=23 April 2018|website=lockheedmartin.com}}</ref> NATOPS Flight Manual<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://info.publicintelligence.net/USNavy-SH60.pdf|title=NATOPS Flight Manual: Navy Model SH-60B Helicopter|access-date=5 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630151532/https://info.publicintelligence.net/USNavy-SH60.pdf|archive-date=30 June 2013|url-status=live|website=info.publicintelligence.net}}</ref> |prime units?=kts  |crew=3–4 |capacity= 5 passengers in cabin, slung load of {{convert|6000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} or internal load of {{convert|4100|lb|kg|abbr=on}} for B, F, and H models / {{cvt|6684|lb|0}} payload |length ft=64 |length in=8 |length note= |height ft=17 |height in=2 |height note= |empty weight lb=15200 |empty weight note= |gross weight lb=17758 |gross weight note=for ASW mission |max takeoff weight lb=21884 |max takeoff weight note= |fuel capacity= |more general=  |eng1 number=2 |eng1 name=General Electric T700-GE-401C |eng1 type=turboshaft engines |eng1 shp=1890 |eng1 note=for take-off

|rot number=1 |rot dia ft=53 |rot dia in=8 |rot area sqft=2262.3 |rot area note= * '''Blade section:''' '''root:''' SC1095/SC1095R8; '''tip:''' Sikorsky SC1095<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>  |max speed kts=146 |max speed note= |cruise speed kts= |cruise speed note= |never exceed speed kts=180 |never exceed speed note= |range nmi=450 |range note= |combat range nmi= |combat range note= |ferry range nmi= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling ft=12000 |ceiling note= |climb rate ftmin=1650 |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |disk loading lb/sqft= |disk loading note= |fuel consumption lb/mi= |power/mass= |more performance=  |armament= * Up to two Mark 46 torpedoes ''or'' Mk 50 ''or'' Mk-54s ''or'' two {{convert|120|gal|liter|abbr=on|sigfig=3|}} fuel tanks for SH-60B and HH-60R and MH-60R * AGM-114 Hellfire missile, 4 Hellfire missiles for SH-60B and HH-60H and MH-60R, 8 Hellfire missiles for MH-60S Block III. * AGM-119 Penguin missile (being phased out), * APKWS Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, * M60 machine gun ''or'', M240 machine gun ''or'' GAU-16/A machine gun ''or'' GAU-17/A Minigun * Rapid Airborne Mine Clearance System (RAMICS) using Mk 44 Mod 0 30 mm Cannon {{See also|U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#UH-60 Black Hawk.2FSH-60 Sea Hawk|l1=U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems}} |avionics= }}

==References==

===Notes=== {{Reflist}}

===Bibliography=== * A1-H60CA-NFM-000 NATOPS Flight Manual Navy Model H-60F/H Aircraft * Donald, David ed. "Sikorsky HH/MH/SH-60 Seahawk". ''Warplanes of the Fleet''. AIRtime, 2004. {{ISBN|1-880588-81-1}}. * Leoni, Ray D. ''Black Hawk, The Story of a World Class Helicopter''. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-56347-918-2}}. * Tomajczyk, Stephen F. ''Black Hawk''. MBI, 2003. {{ISBN|0-7603-1591-4}}.

==External links== {{Commons and category|SH-60 Seahawk|SH-60 Seahawk}} * [https://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/mh60r.html MH-60R Seahawk page on LockheedMartin.com] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20050527203616/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1200&tid=500&ct=1 SH-60 fact file] and [http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/sh60.htm SH-60 history page on US Navy site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010115211/http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/sh60.htm |date=10 October 2008}}

{{Black Hawk family}} {{Sikorsky Aircraft}} {{US helicopters}} {{Spanish helicopters}} {{ADF aircraft prefixes}} {{AvN aircraft designations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sikorsky H-60 Seahawk}} Category:United States military helicopters Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk Category:1970s United States helicopters H-060, S Category:Twin-turbine helicopters H-060 Seahawk Category:Aircraft first flown in 1979 Category:Anti-submarine helicopters