US approves sale of 7 MH-60R maritime helicopters to Greece.

The US State Department has cleared Greece to buy MH-60R multi-mission helicopters with support equipment under a deal estimated to be worth $600 million.

 An MH-60R takes off from HMCS Regina (Picture source: US Navy)

The Hellenic Navy is expected to buy up to seven helicopters equipped with APS-l 53(V) multi-mode radars, airborne low frequency systems, and AN/ AAS-44C(V) multi-spectral targeting systems. The sale includes the maritime helicopters for the Hellenic Navy, as well as spares, systems, weapons, training, and support.

The proposed sale will improve Greece's capability to meet current and future threats.  The MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopter will provide the capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions along with the ability to perform secondary missions including vertical replenishment, search and rescue, and communications relay.  Greece will have no difficulty absorbing these helicopters into its armed forces.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Owego, New York.