HH-60W Combat Search and Rescue Helicopter. Credits: 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 transaction worth $2.6 billion, according to a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announcement issued on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The proposed Foreign Army Sales (FMS) is currently moving to the US Congress for final approval.
The Norwegian government has requested the following equipment as part of the transaction:
- 9 HH-60W helicopter
- 22 T-700-GE-401 Turboshaft Engine (18 installations, 4 spares)
- 21 GPS/INS navigation system (18 installations, 3 spares)
- 10 Radar Warning Receivers (9 installations, 1 spare)
- 10 missile warning system (9 installations, 1 spare)
According to the DSCA, other systems include:
- GAU-21 Aircraft Machine Gun
- Infrared Izlid 200p laser
- sky borne counter measure dispenser
- Joint Mission Planning System
- Weapon Support Equipment, Software, Spares, Training AIDS, and extensive logistics, transportation, and maintenance support
The main contractor is Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Stratford, Connecticut.
The DSCA stated:
“This proposed sales support the US foreign policy and national security goals by improving the security of NATO allies, the force of political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
Expansion of Norwegian helicopter fleet
This potential acquisition comes as part of a broader strategy by the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNOAF) to maintain the special operations rotorcraft fleet of 18 helicopters.
Currently, RNOAF operates an 18-bell 412SP/HP helicopter and has been streamed since 1987. In June 2023, Norwegian Ministry of Defense chose to upgrade nine aircraft on these aircraft to extend service life of at least 15 years, rather than replacing the full fleet.
If approved, the HH-60W will join these upgraded bells and maintain 18 powerful forces.
Adjusting NATO
The HH-60W is currently operated solely by the US Air Force and is expected to boost Norway’s capabilities to protect NATO allies and increase special operations capabilities in the air.
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