Lockheed Martin Delivers 350th MH-60R Helicopter to U.S. Navy
Lockheed Martin has delivered the 350th MH-60R helicopter to the U.S. Navy at a ceremony at the company’s Owego, New York facility, a key moment in sustaining the fleet of multi-mission naval helicopters.
The aircraft was accepted by Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 (HSM-41), the Navy’s Fleet Replacement Squadron that trains Pacific Fleet aviators and aircrew to operate the MH-60R.
The MH-60R Romeo is widely regarded as the Navy’s premier helicopter for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime surveillance, built by Sikorsky with mission systems integration by Lockheed Martin.
Milestone Delivery and Operational Impact
The ceremony marks the latest in a long run of deliveries that have built a large fleet of MH-60Rs for the U.S. Navy and allied navies, including Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, India, Greece, and South Korea, with planned deliveries to Spain and Norway.
Lockheed Martin leaders noted the continued importance of the Romeo platform in global anti-submarine operations and alliance interoperability.
Capabilities and Combat Record
The MH-60R combines advanced sensors, radar, electronic support measures, and integrated weapons to identify and engage surface and underwater targets.
Recent operational use includes engagements during maritime security patrols in the Gulf of Aden, where crews used the helicopter’s sensor suite to shoot down a hostile drone and neutralize small-boat threats to merchant traffic.
Its network-centric design allows the MH-60R to share data with ships, aircraft, and other ASW assets, improving fleet situational awareness and coordinated operations.
Long Service Life and Ongoing Production
The MH-60R entered service with the U.S. Navy in 2010 and is expected to remain in frontline service into the 2050s, supported by an active production line and open-architecture avionics that can integrate future upgrades.
