26/4 - FMS approval has been grantedby the US State Department for Norway to buy 6 MH-60R and related mission equipment, simulators, engines etc., to replace the NH-90s canned last year
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/maj...-multi-mission
The Norewgian Government had announced its intention to buy them subject to parliamentary approval on 15 April. They will initial be for the Coast Guard (337 skvadron) followed by (I assume) 334 skvadron in the ASW role.
https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuel...tre/id2966519/
Norway will be sending personnel to gain experience with Denmark's MH-60 operator's (presumably Eskadrille 723).
Cooperation with Denmark
Denmark has operated Seahawks since 2016. In order to secure and retain important helicopter expertise for Norwegian crews at Bardufoss, the Air Force will send personnel to Denmark, to gain technical and operational expertise on the Seahawk.
- Through this concrete example of Nordic defense cooperation, we gain experience from Denmark before receiving the Seahawks to Norway. This will assist us in gaining full operational capability quicker, says Gram.
Norway has been in close dialogue with the U.S authorities to find solutions for a Norwegian maritime helicopter capacity as soon as possible. Norway will have the opportunity to purchase up to three new helicopters that were intended for the US Navy, with the first delivery of the MH-60R Seahawk expected approximately in the summer of 2025. The Norwegian Seahawks will be stationed at Bardufoss.
In total, Norway is buying six helicopters, due to be delivered from 2025 through 2027. Delivery times requires that Norway signs an agreement with the US in the summer of 2023.
Signing of the contract requires initial approval from the Storting.
The choice of maritime helicopter capacity is included as part of the investment proposal that will be presented to the Storting during the spring session.
The procurement is based on the chief of defense's advice and has an expected cost frame of approximately NOK 12 billion.