WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Norway for 21 UH-60M Black Hawk multirole helicopters and related equipment, with a maximum estimated value of $2.3 billion. The approval was announced on August 21, 2026, but does not represent a final Norwegian order. The deal remains subject to an intergovernmental Letter of Offer and Acceptance.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Norway has requested 21 UH-60M helicopters, 46 T700-GE-701D engines, 25 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, 25 Common Infrared Countermeasure systems, 25 AN/APR-39E(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, 50 EAGLE-M+429 Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation Systems, 100 AN/ARC-231A RT-1987 VHF/UHF/line-of-sight satellite communication radios and 18 M240H machine guns.
The package also includes laser warning systems, identification-friend-or-foe transponders and cryptographic equipment, navigation and radio systems, radar altimeters, electro-optical/infrared sensors with laser designators, ballistic armor, internal auxiliary fuel tanks, fast-rope insertion and extraction systems, rescue hoists, dual patient litter systems, external stores support and weather radar. It also covers training devices, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools, technical data, publications, personnel training, and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support. Four of the 46 engines are identified as spare engines.
If the agreement proceeds, Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky unit, based in Stratford, Connecticut, would be the principal contractor. Around 15 U.S. government and 15 contractor representatives would travel to Norway for equipment fielding, system checkout, training and support.
Part of Norway's Helicopter Modernization
The proposed UH-60M acquisition follows Norway's decision in June 2026 to suspend a project for up to nine HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters, which had initially been valued at $2.6 billion. Norway said further decisions on helicopter fleet modernization would follow, but it has not officially confirmed a connection between the suspended HH-60W project and the UH-60M request.
The Black Hawk proposal could also provide an option for replacing Norway's Bell 412 helicopters, which support Army and Special Operations Forces missions. Some of the existing Bell 412s have undergone or are undergoing upgrades to extend their service life.
If completed, the purchase would expand the UH-60M's European customer base. Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Austria already operate the Black Hawk, while Greece has also ordered the helicopter, with deliveries expected to begin soon.
Norway has separately ordered six MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters, with deliveries expected to begin within the next several months and all six anticipated by 2027. They are intended primarily for maritime and coast guard roles, replacing previously operated NH90 helicopters.
The U.S. State Department said the proposed sale would strengthen Norway's ability to address current and future threats, improve interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, and provide the Norwegian Army and Special Operations Forces with a common rotary-wing platform. The U.S. assessment states that Norway should have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and services, while the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region or adversely affect U.S. defense readiness.
No offset agreement has been identified at this stage, with any such arrangement to be determined during negotiations.
The U.S. Congress has been notified of the proposed sale. As a NATO ally, Norway is subject to a 15-day congressional review period.
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