Taiwan Resumes U.S. Talks for Purchasing of 13 MH-60R Seahawk ASW Helicopters

Taiwan’s navy has renewed negotiations with the United States to acquire a fleet of MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters, with local reports suggesting a minimum of 13 aircraft. If finalized, the deal would strengthen Taiwan’s undersea defense capabilities and reinforce U.S.–Taiwan security ties amid heightened activity by China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).

According to reports from Taiwanese media on October 7, the discussions involve a senior official and sources familiar with the talks. The renewed interest follows months of mixed signals, with previous acquisition efforts reportedly delayed or declined due to asymmetric warfare considerations. The MH-60R procurement aligns with Taiwan’s broader defense modernization, providing enhanced capabilities to detect, track, and engage submarines in the Taiwan Strait.

Platform and Sensor Capabilities

The MH-60R is the U.S. Navy’s standard ASW helicopter, designed for deployment from surface combatants such as destroyers and frigates. Its core ASW sensor is the AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar, a high-powered dipping sonar capable of detecting submarines operating at various depths, including those concealed beneath thermal layers. In shallow and noisy littoral waters, the system can detect diesel-electric submarines operating on battery power, which are otherwise difficult to track. The helicopter also integrates expendable sonobuoys, multi-mode maritime radar, day-night electro-optical sensors, and electronic support measures to identify hostile emissions.

A typical MH-60R crew includes a pilot, copilot, and one or two sensor operators who manage sonar, radar, and weapons systems. Data from the sensors can be shared with nearby ships or other platforms over Link 16 or equivalent datalinks, enhancing situational awareness and coordinated response.

Weapons and Tactical Advantages

The Seahawk’s armament aligns with Taiwan’s ASW and maritime strike needs. It can carry MK54 lightweight torpedoes, which are optimized for both diesel-electric and nuclear submarines in shallow and open waters. Each torpedo is equipped with active/passive guidance and can engage targets at depths up to 500 meters, providing a significant edge in Taiwan Strait operations. For surface threats, the MH-60R can be armed with AGM-114 Hellfire anti-ship missiles and laser-guided rockets, while door-mounted machine guns offer self-defense and limited support during hoist or interception tasks.

Tactically, the MH-60R operates in conjunction with surface ships and maritime patrol aircraft, forming a three-dimensional ASW network. In the dynamic conditions of the Taiwan Strait, the helicopter can quickly reach a suspected submarine, deploy its dipping sonar, and relay contacts to nearby frigates for coordinated tracking or engagement. This approach extends Taiwan’s undersea defense coverage without requiring constant deployment of land-based patrol aircraft.

Fleet Integration and Operational Considerations

Taiwan’s navy currently operates 17 helicopters, down from an earlier fleet of 21 S-70C aircraft due to four major accidents. The proposed acquisition would restore numbers and add modern capabilities rather than replace like-for-like. The procurement plan covers not only the airframes but also integrated sensors, munitions, updated avionics, and the necessary training and maintenance infrastructure.

Other regional operators of the MH-60R, including South Korea and New Zealand, demonstrate the platform’s interoperability and shared support network, which may help Taiwan in training, logistics, and spares management. Successful integration would require phased deliveries, reinforcement of maintenance capacity, and adjustments to shipboard hangars and deck operations.

Strategic Implications

China has been expanding its submarine fleet, including both quieter diesel-electric and nuclear attack submarines, and increasingly operates in the Philippine Sea and around the Bashi Channel. The addition of MH-60Rs to Taiwan’s naval aviation strengthens deterrence by complicating potential undersea operations by the PLAN. The helicopters’ ability to detect submarines at depth, maintain persistent contact with agile targets, and deliver torpedoes or coordinate strikes from surface ships gives Taiwan a measurable edge in undersea defense.

The renewed negotiations reflect a clearer operational need, an established acquisition team, and alignment of munitions to mission requirements. If the deal is approved under a special defense budget, Taiwan will significantly enhance its maritime defense posture with modern, interoperable ASW platforms capable of rapidly countering submarine threats in the region.