United States approves UH-60M Black Hawk sale for Norwegian Armed Forces

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The United States Government has approved the potential sale of a substantial number of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to equip the Norwegian Armed Forces. The transaction, notified to the US Congress by the Department of State, is valued at US$2.3 billion and falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.

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Norway’s move towards the Black Hawk platform

Since 2022, when Norway’s Ministry of Defence announced the termination of its NH90 helicopter procurement contract, the Norwegian Armed Forces have relied on the Black Hawk platform and its variants to take on these missions. Norway joined other operators in taking this step, including Australia, which also withdrew the European helicopter from service.

This is reflected in the purchase of new MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States to undertake the roles and missions previously performed by the NH90. Furthermore, as detailed in the US$2.6 billion approval issued in July 2025, the Norwegian Armed Forces also requested nine (9) highly specialised HH-60W Jolly Green II aircraft for combat search and rescue (CSAR) duties.

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UH-60M Black Hawk package for the Norwegian Armed Forces

Against this background, and having confirmed its preference for the Black Hawk platform, the Nordic country’s government asked the United States Government to purchase up to twenty-one (21) new UH-60M helicopters. The request also covers a significant package of equipment and systems, alongside logistical support and training.

The deal, for which Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is the selected principal supplier, has a total value of US$2.3 billion.

The Department of State stated that the transaction “…will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats, while strengthening its interoperability with United States forces and those of other allied countries. It will also modernise Norway’s rotary-wing capabilities, enabling the Norwegian Army and Special Operations Forces to conduct operations independently while benefiting from the use of a common platform across the fleet”.

Norway’s current rotary-wing fleet

At present, it should be noted that, in line with established doctrine and operating tradition, the core rotary-wing assets of the Nordic country’s Armed Forces are operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force. Following the retirement of the NH90, its principal helicopter platforms for transport and support tasks are the Bell 412 and AgustaWestland AW101.

Photographs used for illustrative purposes.