The US State Division has sanctioned a possible $2.6bn overseas army sale (FMS) of HH-60W Jolly Inexperienced II fight search and rescue helicopters and accompanying gear to Norway.
Norway’s request encompasses the acquisition of as much as 9 HH-60W helicopters.
The HH-60W Fight Rescue Helicopter (CRH) represents an enhanced model of the UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter.
It options capabilities appropriate for numerous missions together with casualty and medical evacuation, search-and-rescue operations, humanitarian efforts, catastrophe response, in addition to fight drive deployment.
Integral elements of the proposed package deal embody 22 T-700-GE-401 turboshaft engines, 21 embedded world positioning system/inertial navigation techniques, ten AN/APR-52 radar warning receivers, and ten AN/AAR-57 widespread missile warning techniques.
Moreover, non-major defence gear objects similar to GAU-21 plane machine weapons, IZLID 200P infrared lasers, AN/ALE-47 airborne countermeasures dispenser techniques, joint mission planning system with distinctive elements and software program, laptop program identification numbers (CPINs), weapons assist gear, and numerous different logistics and programme assist components are included within the deal.
The helicopter is constructed by Sikorsky Plane, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, which is designated because the principal contractor for this sale.
The Protection Safety Cooperation Company (DSCA) has notified Congress of this potential sale.
At present, there isn’t a identified offset settlement related to this potential sale; nonetheless, any such settlement can be decided by means of negotiations between Norway and the contractor.
In an announcement, DSCA stated the “proposed sale will assist the overseas coverage objectives and nationwide safety targets of the US by bettering the safety of a Nato ally”.
The acquisition is predicted to reinforce Norway’s capacity to counter current and future threats by upgrading its airborne fight and particular operations capabilities.
These plane will serve in defence of Nato members and allies.
In keeping with DSCA, no further US authorities or contractor personnel will should be deployed to Norway for the implementation of this proposed sale.
In keeping with a GlobalData report, Norway’s defence budget is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 4% from 2024 to 2028.
This development is because of the nation’s modernisation plans improve the readiness and availability of its army forces.
In August 2024, Norway secured US approval to acquire M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related gear for $580m.
