Sikorsky Aircraft developed the MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission naval helicopter, also called ‘Romeo’, to replace the US Navy’s legacy SH-60B and SH-60F helicopter fleet.
The MH-60R integrates advanced mission systems and sensors developed by Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training.
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The MH-60R Seahawk’s primary roles include anti-submarine and surface warfare, electromagnetic warfare, command and control, and a range of non-combat tasks. Its secondary duties cover intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, logistics, medical evacuation, naval surface fire support, search and rescue, and support for special operations.
Remanufactured from an SH-60B, the first MH-60R helicopter made its first flight in July 2001. The first two new-build MH-60Rs were delivered to the US Navy in August 2005. The first Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 equipped with MH-60Rs, was established by the US Navy at Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, in October 2007.
In January 2026, the US Navy took delivery of its 350th MH-60R Romeo helicopter. The aircraft was assigned to HSM-41 by the Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Fleet Replacement Squadron, where it will be used to train new naval aviators and aircrew in operating the MH-60R for the US Pacific Fleet.
The US Navy is planning for the modernisation of the MH-60R to keep it operationally relevant through to 2045 and beyond.
MH-60R Seahawk design and features
The MH-60R Seahawk measures 19.5m (63.9ft) in length with a height of 5.18m. The MH-60R Seahawk helicopter has an empty weight of approximately 15,170lbs (6,895kg) and a maximum gross weight of approximately 23,500lb.
The MH-60R features a spacious cabin, which provides a comfortable operational environment for three to four flight crew and five passengers. The cabin is 3.2m-long, 1.3m-high and 1.8m-wide and offers an area of 6m² and a volume of 8.5m³.
The helicopter is equipped with a digital, open-architecture, night vision-compatible all-glass Common Cockpit avionics suite from Lockheed Martin. The cockpit integrates four 8in x 10in full-colour flight and mission displays, ruggedised integrated military-off-the-shelf mission computers, a full digital communications suite, a mass memory data storage unit, and a flight management computer and operations software.
The cockpit is also fitted with a global positioning system, an inertial navigation system, a satellite communication system and secure VHF/UHF communications.
Armament
The MH-60R helicopter can be armed with Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare missions. It can carry several weapons including eight Hellfire anti-surface missiles and .50 calibre guns for anti-surface warfare missions.
Countermeasures and sensors on board MH-60R
The MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter incorporates Telephonics APS-147 multimode radar, which employs the inverse synthetic aperture radar technique to perform imaging and periscope detection at short/long ranges.
The rotorcraft utilises Raytheon-developed AN/AQS-22 airborne low-frequency sonar (ALFS) subsystem for littoral and underwater warfare missions. The ALFS subsystem is integrated with a dipping sonar and sonobuoy processing capability.
The Advanced ALQ-210 electronic support measures (ESM) system is also installed to detect, locate and identify threats. It is complemented by an ESM autoloader and the development of mission data loads.
A second generation AAS-44 forward-looking infrared electro-optical system onboard the MH-60R provides increased surveillance of the battlefield during low-light conditions. It also offers Hellfire targeting capability.
The helicopter is integrated with a data link for data transmission, an ARC210 Gen 5 multi-function radio for flexible and secure communication, and a chaff and flare decoy dispenser. It also features an integrated self-defence system for protection against radio frequency, intermediate frequency, laser and missile threats.
In June 2025, Sikorsky and CAE worked together to supply the CAE Magnetic Anomaly Detection Extended Role (MAD-XR) system for installation on MH-60R Seahawk helicopters operated by the US Navy and Royal Australian Navy.
CAE developed the system, while Sikorsky integrated it with the aircraft’s main mission computer. The passive digital MAD sensor is intended to support anti-submarine operations by helping crews detect and track submarines beneath the sea surface.
The MAD-XR package combines sensitive magnetometers with a processor and interface unit weighing under 9kg, including cabling and mounting equipment. It provides an audio warning when an object is detected and shows contact and range information on the display. The equipment fits within the MH-60R tail cone without requiring permanent structural changes and can be removed and transferred between aircraft when required.
Survivability features
The MH-60R is tolerant against small-arms fire and medium-calibre high-explosive projectiles. Its airframe and energy-absorbing landing gear offer increased survivability on the battlefield.
Other survivability features include a dual-redundant flight control system, ballistic-hardened flight controls, a modular transmission system with fail-safe lubrication, triple-redundant hydraulics and electrical systems, and load-limiting crew seats.
The tail rotor has redundant failsafe controls, while the main rotor blades are tolerant against 23mm rounds. The helicopter’s high-mass components are designed to remain within the frame in 20/20/10G crash conditions.
The cockpit is fitted with jettisonable doors to provide an emergency exit. The spall-resistant windshield and cockpit structure offer enhanced protection for the occupants.
MH-60R engines and performance
The MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter is powered by two T700-GE-401C engines, which generate a maximum take-off power of 2,554kW each. It is fitted with self-sealing fuel tanks of 2,230-litre storage capacity and two external tanks.
The helicopter has a maximum cruise speed of 267km/h and a maximum take-off gross weight of 10,659kg. It can endure airborne for up to 2.7 hours when deployed in undersea warfare missions and up to 3.3 hours in surface warfare operations. It has a hovering out of ground effect ceiling of 4,525m and a hovering in ground effect ceiling of 4,525m.
MH-60R modernisation programme
Naval Air Systems Command’s H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopter Program Program Management Activity (PMA)-299 is planning a service life modernisation (SLM) to upgrade the MH-60R/S fleet’s avionics, mission equipment and weapons system architecture.
PMA-299 operates as a Joint Program Office under the Program Executive Officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault & Special Mission Programs PEO(A) and oversees several Seahawk variants, including the MH-60R and MH-60S.
The SLM programme is aimed at strengthening the operational performance of MH-60R/S helicopters, while adopting a Modular Open Systems Approach architecture that supports swift integration of future enhancements.
The SLM will increase the platform’s reliability and make it easier to maintain across the MH-60R/S fleet. It will also drive down life cycle costs for MH-60R/S operators and bolster the MH-60R/S cybersecurity baseline and overall resilience to cyber threats. Additionally, the programme will expand commonality and standardisation across US Navy MH-60R/S fleets and foreign military sales (FMS) users.
In March 2026, StraCon Services Group, a professional defence services company, won a $117m contract from the US Navy to provide five years of programme management support, covering a base period and four one-year options, for NAVAIR’s PMA-299.
Under the deal, StraCon will support programme and project management activities spanning acquisition support, analysis, FMS, financial management, modernisation and operational planning.
The work also includes coordinating integrated logistics and engineering efforts to help sustain readiness across the H-60 family. The contract also covers support for eight partner nations through FMS and sustainment for legacy H-60 variants.
In addition, it contributes to longer-term efforts such as the SLM programme and Future Vertical Lift, aimed at extending airframe life while preparing for future vertical-lift requirements.
Orders and deliveries
Lockheed Martin was awarded $360m worth of production and development contracts for the US Navy’s MH-60R fleet in January 2011.
Lockheed Martin also secured a five-year contract worth $1.05bn from the US Navy to deliver more than 200 digital cockpits, along with integrated mission systems and sensors for the US Navy’s MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters, in April 2012.
The Australian Government signed a contract with the US in June 2011 for a fleet of 24 MH-60R Romeo helicopters to support the Royal Australian Navy’s anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations. The first two helicopters were accepted by the Royal Australian Navy in December 2013, followed by another two in February 2014.
The government of Qatar requested the sale of six MH-60R Seahawk helicopters along with 13 T-700 GE 401C engines, support equipment and logistics support services in September 2011 for $750m. Another order worth $2.5bn was placed in June 2012 for ten MH-60Rs, 12 MH-60S Seahawk helicopters and support equipment.
The Republic of Korea requested the sale of eight MH-60Rs, 18 T-700 GE 401C engines and support equipment, as well as logistics support services in May 2012. The Defense Contract Management Agency delivered the first MH-60R helicopter in September 2024, and it was formally inducted into the Republic of Korea Navy in April 2026.
In December 2012, the Danish Government signed a letter of offer and acceptance with the US Navy for the purchase of nine MH-60R helicopters and logistics support. The first three MH-60R Seahawk helicopters were delivered by the US Navy in June 2016.
In May 2015, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requested the purchase of ten MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.9bn. The first MH-60R was delivered in September 2018.
In October 2023, Lockheed Martin was awarded a US Navy contract to manufacture eight MH-60Rs for delivery to the Spanish Navy. In the same month, the US Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to produce six multi-mission MH-60Rs for the Norwegian Government.
The Hellenic Navy ordered seven MH-60Rs, with the first three having been delivered in March 2024 at Naval Air Station Kotroni-Marathonas.
In March 2024, the Indian Navy commissioned the MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter under the naval air squadron INAS 334. The delivery forms part of a 24-helicopter FMS agreement signed with the US Government in February 2020.
