The US State Department has cleared a 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 (DSCA) today.
Paving the Way for a Formal Agreement
The notification opens the door for a formal agreement between Oslo and Connecticut-based manufacturer Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, for the sale. The deal would include up to 22 GE Aerospace T700 turboshaft engines, countermeasures, and other associated equipment.
Sikorsky Hails Norway’s Continued Trust
“We deeply value Norway’s continued trust in Sikorsky helicopters, including the Hawk aircraft which are operated by more than 35 other nations and offer unmatched global and regional interoperability,” a Sikorsky spokesperson told Breaking Defense. “The HH-60W was purpose built for the combat rescue mission and provides enhanced survivability while recovering isolated personnel from hostile or denied territory, day or night, in adverse weather, and in a full range of threat environments.”
Congressional Notification Not Final
The DSCA notice is a congressional notification and is not final. Quantities and dollar totals often change during negotiations. Lawmakers have 30 days to block the deal, but such a move is unlikely given Norway’s status as a key NATO ally.
Strengthening NATO Ally and US National Security
“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.”
HH-60W: A Derivative of the Black Hawk
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.
US Air Force’s Fluctuating Plans
Citing contested environments and challenging terrain, the US Air Force moved to end its procurement of the platform in 2022. However, lawmakers 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. 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.
Norway: The First Foreign Customer
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.
New Role for the HH-60W in the US
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.
