Norway expands airborne rescue capability with acquisition of nine U.S. HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters
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According to information published by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on July 11, 2025, the U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Norway for HH-60W Jolly Green II Combat Rescue Helicopters and associated equipment, valued at approximately $2.6 billion. The DSCA has delivered the necessary certification notifying the U.S. Congress of this proposed transaction. The deal underscores the strengthening of transatlantic defense cooperation and aims to enhance Norway’s capacity for high-risk personnel recovery and special operations support in complex operational environments.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The HH-60W Jolly Green II is a U.S. next-generation combat rescue helicopter designed for personnel recovery in hostile environments with advanced survivability systems and extended range capabilities. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The U.S. approved package for Norway includes up to nine HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters, along with twenty-two T-700-GE-401 turboshaft engines, twenty-one Embedded GPS/INS systems (with three designated as spares), and a suite of survivability equipment such as AN/APR-52 radar warning receivers and AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems. Additional systems encompass GAU-21 and other onboard machine guns, IZLID 200P infrared target designators, AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispensers, mission planning systems, electronic warfare database support, and classified and unclassified software and documentation. The proposed package also includes extensive logistics, engineering, and training support from both the U.S. government and industry.
This acquisition will significantly reinforce the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s ability to conduct personnel recovery missions in high-threat environments while supporting NATO operations and national defense contingencies. The HH-60W, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, is the latest evolution of the Black Hawk family, designed specifically for combat search and rescue with enhanced survivability, avionics, and fuel capacity. Its integration into the Norwegian Armed Forces is expected to bolster interoperability with NATO partners, especially in Arctic and high-latitude regions where rapid response and rescue capabilities are strategically vital.
Technically, the HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter represents a major leap in rotary-winged rescue platforms. Powered by two GE T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, the HH-60W offers exceptional lift and endurance, capable of extended operations at range thanks to its 660-gallon internal fuel tanks—nearly double the capacity of its predecessor, the HH-60G Pave Hawk. The helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics including a fully integrated digital cockpit with color multifunction displays, fly-by-wire flight controls, and secure, jam-resistant communications. It features a nose-mounted radar, AN/APR-52 radar warning receiver, missile approach warning systems, and a directional infrared countermeasures suite for enhanced survivability in hostile airspace.
The cabin of the HH-60W is designed to accommodate pararescue teams, medical evacuation kits, and mission-specific gear. Defensive armament includes side-mounted GAU-21 .50-caliber machine guns and optional M240 7.62 mm machine guns. Its open systems architecture supports future upgrades and integration of NATO-interoperable mission systems. With a top speed exceeding 150 knots (278 km/h) and an operational range of over 600 nautical miles (1,111 km) with aerial refueling capability, the HH-60W enables rapid deployment into contested or remote areas under all-weather and night conditions.
As a dedicated combat rescue platform, the HH-60W aligns with NATO’s focus on high-readiness and rapid response forces. Norway’s acquisition of this aircraft signals a strategic investment in long-range casualty evacuation and high-value personnel recovery, ensuring allied operational resilience in both peacetime and wartime missions.
The value for Norway to acquire the U.S. HH-60W Jolly Green II lies in its proven ability to execute high-risk rescue missions under fire, ensure survivability in hostile zones, and offer unmatched interoperability with allied forces. For Norway, this platform delivers a strategic asset that enhances national resilience, supports NATO’s collective defense posture, and guarantees that no soldier is left behind in combat. It is not merely a helicopter but a force multiplier that ensures operational success, mission continuity, and life-saving capabilities in the most demanding environments.
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According to information published by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on July 11, 2025, the U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Norway for HH-60W Jolly Green II Combat Rescue Helicopters and associated equipment, valued at approximately $2.6 billion. The DSCA has delivered the necessary certification notifying the U.S. Congress of this proposed transaction. The deal underscores the strengthening of transatlantic defense cooperation and aims to enhance Norway’s capacity for high-risk personnel recovery and special operations support in complex operational environments.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The HH-60W Jolly Green II is a U.S. next-generation combat rescue helicopter designed for personnel recovery in hostile environments with advanced survivability systems and extended range capabilities. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The U.S. approved package for Norway includes up to nine HH-60W Jolly Green II combat rescue helicopters, along with twenty-two T-700-GE-401 turboshaft engines, twenty-one Embedded GPS/INS systems (with three designated as spares), and a suite of survivability equipment such as AN/APR-52 radar warning receivers and AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems. Additional systems encompass GAU-21 and other onboard machine guns, IZLID 200P infrared target designators, AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispensers, mission planning systems, electronic warfare database support, and classified and unclassified software and documentation. The proposed package also includes extensive logistics, engineering, and training support from both the U.S. government and industry.
This acquisition will significantly reinforce the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s ability to conduct personnel recovery missions in high-threat environments while supporting NATO operations and national defense contingencies. The HH-60W, developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, is the latest evolution of the Black Hawk family, designed specifically for combat search and rescue with enhanced survivability, avionics, and fuel capacity. Its integration into the Norwegian Armed Forces is expected to bolster interoperability with NATO partners, especially in Arctic and high-latitude regions where rapid response and rescue capabilities are strategically vital.
Technically, the HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter represents a major leap in rotary-winged rescue platforms. Powered by two GE T700-GE-701D turboshaft engines, the HH-60W offers exceptional lift and endurance, capable of extended operations at range thanks to its 660-gallon internal fuel tanks—nearly double the capacity of its predecessor, the HH-60G Pave Hawk. The helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics including a fully integrated digital cockpit with color multifunction displays, fly-by-wire flight controls, and secure, jam-resistant communications. It features a nose-mounted radar, AN/APR-52 radar warning receiver, missile approach warning systems, and a directional infrared countermeasures suite for enhanced survivability in hostile airspace.
The cabin of the HH-60W is designed to accommodate pararescue teams, medical evacuation kits, and mission-specific gear. Defensive armament includes side-mounted GAU-21 .50-caliber machine guns and optional M240 7.62 mm machine guns. Its open systems architecture supports future upgrades and integration of NATO-interoperable mission systems. With a top speed exceeding 150 knots (278 km/h) and an operational range of over 600 nautical miles (1,111 km) with aerial refueling capability, the HH-60W enables rapid deployment into contested or remote areas under all-weather and night conditions.
As a dedicated combat rescue platform, the HH-60W aligns with NATO’s focus on high-readiness and rapid response forces. Norway’s acquisition of this aircraft signals a strategic investment in long-range casualty evacuation and high-value personnel recovery, ensuring allied operational resilience in both peacetime and wartime missions.
The value for Norway to acquire the U.S. HH-60W Jolly Green II lies in its proven ability to execute high-risk rescue missions under fire, ensure survivability in hostile zones, and offer unmatched interoperability with allied forces. For Norway, this platform delivers a strategic asset that enhances national resilience, supports NATO’s collective defense posture, and guarantees that no soldier is left behind in combat. It is not merely a helicopter but a force multiplier that ensures operational success, mission continuity, and life-saving capabilities in the most demanding environments.
