The U.S. government has approved a potential $2.6 billion foreign military sale to Norway for nine Sikorsky HH-60W “Jolly Green II” combat search-and-rescue helicopters, strengthening the Nordic nation’s special operations and aerial rescue capabilities.
Announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on July 11, 2025, the deal includes 22 GE Aerospace T700 engines, advanced mission systems, and a range of “major and minor modifications” to tailor the aircraft to Norwegian operational requirements.
Enhanced Capabilities for Future Threats
According to the DSCA, the proposed sale “will improve Norway’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its airborne combat and special operations capabilities.” While the official documentation does not specify the end-user unit, the wording suggests that the HH-60Ws could be considered for Norway’s 339 Special Operations Aviation Squadron, currently based at Rygge Air Force Base.
This squadron operates Bell 412 helicopters, which were originally scheduled for retirement in 2026. However, Norway’s Ministry of Defense had proposed in 2024 to extend the 18-aircraft fleet’s service life by at least 15 years. Whether the HH-60W acquisition is intended as a partial or eventual replacement remains unconfirmed.
Modernizing Air Mobility and Rescue Roles
The HH-60W, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, is the latest evolution of the Black Hawk family. Tailored for U.S. Air Force combat search-and-rescue missions, the aircraft features upgraded avionics, self-defense systems, increased fuel capacity, and improved survivability in contested environments. The platform is designed for rapid deployment, personnel recovery, medical evacuation, and infiltration/exfiltration operations.
For Norway, the HH-60W offers a modern, multi-mission platform that could support a wide range of defense roles, including special operations and Arctic rescue missions in extreme weather and terrain.
Aligning with Recent Procurement Trends
The approval comes shortly after Norway completed the transition from aging Sikorsky SH-3 Sea Kings to Leonardo AW101s for long-range maritime search and rescue. The potential acquisition of HH-60Ws would complement this modernization effort, further enhancing Norway’s rotary-wing capabilities.
Final approval from the U.S. Congress is required before the sale can proceed, and Norway must still decide whether to sign a procurement agreement.
Javeria Sajid is an Aerospace Engineering student from NUST with a background in technology and a sharp focus on the global political landscape and defence innovation. She writes to make complex defence technologies understandable, and aspires to bridge journalism, policy, and engineering in her work.
