On 21 August 2025 the Government announced it would begin negotiation to acquire five MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales programme.
The MH-60R Seahawk is the preferred option for the replacement of the SH-2G(I) Seasprite fleet. The new MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will be interoperable with our ally Australia and partner defence forces and will be able to contribute to multi-national coalition missions.
This helicopter is used by Australia, the US and 7 other countries.
Formal discussions are now underway, with a view to the Government making final decisions in 2026.
More than $2 billion has been budgeted for the purchase as outlined in the 2025 Defence Capability Plan and Budget 25. Project costs will be released after the negotiations are concluded.
Overall, the project is expected to be undertaken in three tranches. The first is the helicopter replacements, the second will concentrate on infrastructure and training systems at Base Auckland Whenuapai, and the third will look at investing in vertical take-off and landing uncrewed systems to complement the helicopters.
MH-60R Seahawk Technical specifications
Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (a Lockheed Martin company)
Length: 19.76m
Max Speed: 333km/h (180kts)
Range: 963 km (520 nautical miles)
Cargo: In utility mode it can carry 1500+ kg
Crew: 3
Weapon systems: Mk 54 anti-submarine torpedo, AGM-114 Hellfire air-surface missiles, crew-served machine guns; Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)
