US clears Norway to purchase $2.6B worth of HH-60W helicopters

WASHINGTON — The US State Department today cleared the potential sale of up to nine HH-60W helicopters to Norway, a deal valued at $2.6 billion, according to a notice from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. 

The notification paves the way for a formal agreement between Oslo and Connecticut-based manufacturer Sikorsky for the sale, which would include up to 22 GE Aerospace T700 turboshaft engines, countermeasures and other associated equipment, the notice from State says. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, and a spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The notice from DSCA is a congressional notification and is not final. Quantities and dollar totals often shift during negotiations. And today’s announcement technically tees up an opportunity for lawmakers to block the deal within a 30-day period, though such a step would be unlikely considering Norway is a key NATO ally. 

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” State’s notice says. “The proposed sale will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its airborne combat and special operations capabilities. Norway will use these aircraft to defend other NATO members and its allies.”

The HH-60W, also known as the Combat Rescue Helicopter, is a derivative of the iconic UH-60M Black Hawk and modified for perilous rescue missions.

Citing contested environments and more challenging terrain like the vast expanse of ocean in the Indo-Pacific, the US Air Force moved to end its procurement of the platform in 2022. But lawmakers have fought to keep the program alive, citing concerns about a gap in combat rescue capabilities if the HH-60W is not fielded in adequate numbers to replace its predecessor, the HH-60G.

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The Air Force most recently ended up procuring four of the helos in fiscal 2025 for a total fleet of 89, budget documents say, but the service is not requesting any more of the platforms in FY26.

A search of DSCA’s database shows that Norway is the first foreign customer approved to buy the HH-60W, and more foreign customers would help Sikorsky keep the helo’s production line going. 

Amid fluctuating fleet plans for a different helicopter, the HH-60W has also found a new role. According to recently released budget documents, the Air Force plans for the helicopter to take over the task of shuttling VIPs around the National Capital region, a job originally planned for Boeing’s MH-139 Grey Wolf.