Japanese naval helicopter prototypes are delivered
In the foreground is the first prototype of the Japanese XSH-60L, and behind it is the second. (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)
Japan’s navy will adopt the Seahawk-based SH-60L helicopter as its successor to the current SH-60K fleet.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries handed over two XSH-60L helicopters to Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) on 28 September. Life cycle costs should be kept low because the future SH-60L will have a high commonality with the current SH-60K fleet.
The SH-60L has an increased ASW capability in response to quieter and growing shallow-water activity of Chinese and Russian submarines. The SH-60L is equipped with an NEC multistatic sonar, whereas the current SH-60K only has a monostatic one.
Multistatic sonars detect submarines not only by themselves but also by networking with other sonars. They improve the ability to detect submarines
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Akinci: How Baykar turned the UAV into an African and Middle Eastern export success]()
Akinci: How Baykar turned the UAV into an African and Middle Eastern export success
From billion-dollar industrial partnerships in the Middle East to rapid military off-the-shelf deliveries in Africa, Baykar has tailored the Akinci to the needs of very different customers. Defence Insight data shows how flexibility, price and Turkish supply-chain independence have helped drive exports.
-
![US Pentagon pushes procurement of dismounted counter-UAS capabilities]()
US Pentagon pushes procurement of dismounted counter-UAS capabilities
The US services are investing in lighter, autonomous and networked systems to protect mobile troops from drone threats.
-
![US Army extended-range CUAS missile ramjet work to continue through December 2029]()
US Army extended-range CUAS missile ramjet work to continue through December 2029
Northrop Grumman’s US$18.8 million XRC propulsion contract runs through December 2029, but performance targets and the pathway to operational fielding remain undisclosed.
-
![Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe]()
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
![US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months]()
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.
