U.S. Approves $2.6B HH-60W Helicopter Deal with Norway Amid NATO Strategic Shifts
In July 2025, the United States approved a potential foreign military sale to Norway involving up to nine HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters, a transaction valued at approximately $2.6 billion. This development marks a significant milestone in Norway’s ongoing efforts to modernize its airborne capabilities and reflects broader strategic considerations within NATO’s defense framework.
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| HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters. Lockheed Martin |
The HH-60W, also known as the Jolly Green II, is a derivative of the UH-60M Black Hawk and is specifically designed for combat search and rescue missions. The platform incorporates enhanced survivability features and mission systems tailored for operations in contested environments. The proposed sale includes not only the helicopters but also a comprehensive package of equipment and support services. These encompass 22 GE Aerospace T700 turboshaft engines, radar and missile warning systems, infrared lasers, countermeasure dispensers, and mission planning systems. Additionally, the package includes training, maintenance support, and logistics services, indicating a long-term operational integration plan.
Norway’s request for the HH-60W comes at a time when the U.S. Air Force has scaled back its own procurement of the platform. Initially intended to replace the aging HH-60G Pave Hawk fleet, the HH-60W program faced reductions due to shifting priorities and budget constraints. The Air Force’s final procurement included only four units in fiscal year 2025, bringing its total fleet to 89 helicopters, with no further acquisitions planned for FY26. This context suggests that foreign sales, such as Norway’s, may play a role in sustaining the production line at Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.
From a strategic standpoint, the U.S. State Department emphasized that the sale aligns with its foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the capabilities of a NATO ally. Norway’s geographic position and its proximity to the Arctic and Russia underscore the relevance of advanced airborne platforms in regional defense planning. The HH-60W’s ability to conduct special operations and rescue missions in challenging terrains could contribute to NATO’s collective readiness and interoperability.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) noted that the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region and that Norway is expected to absorb the equipment and services without difficulty. The transaction remains subject to final negotiations and congressional review, with a 30-day window for lawmakers to raise objections. Historically, such objections are rare when the recipient is a close ally like Norway.
While the sale has implications for Norway’s defense posture, it also reflects broader trends in U.S. defense exports. The HH-60W’s transition from a domestic procurement program to a platform with potential international customers illustrates the evolving dynamics of military-industrial partnerships. As the U.S. Air Force repurposes some HH-60Ws for VIP transport duties in the National Capital Region, the helicopter’s versatility continues to be explored beyond its original combat rescue role.
The proposed sale of HH-60W helicopters to Norway represents a convergence of strategic interests, industrial considerations, and alliance commitments. It highlights the adaptability of defense platforms in response to changing operational requirements and the role of foreign military sales in sustaining production and fostering international cooperation. The outcome of this transaction may influence future decisions regarding the HH-60W’s role within NATO and its viability as an exportable asset.
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