HH-60W Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter. Credit: Dunn Photography, Shutterstock
Norway has been approved to purchase up to nine HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters from the United States in a deal worth $2.6 billion (approx. €2.23 billion), according to a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcement issued on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The proposed Foreign Military Sale (FMS) now moves to US Congress for final approval.
The Norwegian government requested the following equipment as part of the deal:
- 9 HH-60W helicopters
- 22 T-700-GE-401 turboshaft engines (18 installed, 4 spare)
- 21 GPS/INS navigation systems (18 installed, 3 spare)
- 10 radar warning receivers (9 installed, 1 spare)
- 10 missile warning systems (9 installed, 1 spare)
According to the DSCA, other systems include:
- GAU-21 aircraft machine guns
- Infrared IZLID 200P lasers
- Airborne countermeasure dispensers
- Joint Mission Planning Systems
- Weapons support equipment, software, spares, training aids, and extensive logistics, transport, and maintenance support
The principal contractor will be Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut.
The DSCA stated:
“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.”
Norway’s expanding helicopter fleet
This potential acquisition comes as part of a broader strategy by the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) to maintain a special operations rotorcraft fleet of 18 helicopters.
Currently, the RNoAF operates 18 Bell 412SP/HP helicopters, delivered starting in 1987. In June 2023, Norway’s Ministry of Defence chose to upgrade nine of these aircraft to extend their service life by at least 15 years, rather than replace the full fleet.
If approved, the HH-60Ws would join these upgraded Bells, preserving the 18-strong force.
NATO coordination
The HH-60W is currently operated only by the US Air Force and is expected to enhance Norway’s ability to defend NATO allies and boost its airborne special operations capability.
View all news from Norway.
