Australia formally orders a dozen more Romeos
A dozen more MH-60R Seahawk helicopters have been ordered by the Royal Australian Navy from Sikorsky under the FMS programme. (Photo: RAN)
The Royal Australian Navy requires extra MH-60R helicopters under Project Sea 9100 Phase 1.
The USN has awarded Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky a contract to produce an additional 12 Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) via the FMS programme.
As a result, Sikorsky claimed on 20 September, the RAN will gain a third Romeo squadron ‘of unparalleled capability to the RAN’s Fleet Air Arm’.
The helicopters will be delivered from mid-2025 to mid-2026.
According to the original FMS notification in October 2021, the Romeos plus associated equipment and services will cost about $985 million.
The RAN previously acquired 24 MH-60Rs between 2013 and 2016 as the first international customer for the aircraft.
The latest 12 helicopters are being procured under Project Sea 9100 Phase 1 (Improved Embarked Logistics Support Helicopter Capability) in line with the expansion of the RAN surface vessel fleet, and also to replace MRH90 Taipans.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: MBDA reveals finalised FC/ASW low-observable missile design as programme advances]()
DSEI 2025: MBDA reveals finalised FC/ASW low-observable missile design as programme advances
The updated stealth airframe model will be displayed for the first time at DSEI 2025 to showcase the maturity of the technologies and system ahead of its launch into the development phase, MBDA said.
-
![DSEI 2025: MBDA unveils Crossbow – a new deep strike one-way effector]()
DSEI 2025: MBDA unveils Crossbow – a new deep strike one-way effector
The One-Way Effector Heavy (OWE(H)) was designed over seven months, with the company currently in discussions to field demonstrations of the product by Q4 2025.
-
![How the MQ-9B's interoperability is driving future market success]()
How the MQ-9B's interoperability is driving future market success
With numerous nations, including the UK, committing a combined US$9.99 billion to acquiring the MQ-9B MALE UAV according to Shephard Defence Insight data, the capability now looks set to soar as UAV spending rises globally.
-
![DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone]()
DSEI 2025: Drone Evolution eyes UK and export markets with Scimitar FPV drone
Launched at DSEI 2025 for the first time, the first-person-view uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) is available as 10-inch and 7-inch variant, ideal for surveillance or one-way strike missions.
-
![Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft]()
Proteus: forging the future of autonomous rotorcraft
As the home of British helicopters, Leonardo has worked with the UK Ministry of Defence for over a decade to advance technologies underpinning uncrewed rotorcraft. Today, in partnership with DE&S Future Capabilities Innovation and the Royal Navy, Leonardo is spearheading the next step in that journey: from remotely piloted technologies to fully autonomous systems.
-
![DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes]()
DSEI 2025: ‘Future force’ a focus but questions remain on core UK air programmes
Focused on shaping the armed forces for the fight ahead, DSEI will hone in on new technology and small and medium enterprises to help lead the sector forward.
