US Navy celebrates Saudi milestone as MH-60R Seahawk fleet surpasses 10,000 flight hours
Landmark reached with advanced training and new capabilities
The Royal Saudi Naval Forces’ fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters has surpassed 10,000 flight hours, marking a significant milestone that highlights the operational advancement of Saudi naval capabilities and the strength of its defense partnership with the US Navy.
Saudi crews have logged over 4,300 flight hours and 3,200 hours on simulators during intensive training programs supervised by US Navy instructors at Naval Station Mayport in Florida. The training covered pilot qualification, sensor operator training, and maintenance crew development.
According to the US Department of Defense media platform “DVIDS,” the Foreign Military Sales program for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces began in July 2015 and included the delivery of 10 MH-60R helicopters alongside advanced training and qualification programs. The first batch of five helicopters arrived in Jubail in February 2020, with the second batch delivered in December 2022.
Since then, the helicopters have completed more than 5,600 operational flight hours within the Kingdom, supporting a range of naval missions and operations.
The statement also noted that a Royal Saudi Naval Forces MH-60R helicopter successfully launched an AGM-114 Hellfire missile during flight operations near Jubail Naval Air Base. The Seahawk helicopters serve as the main multi-mission combat platform for the Saudi Navy, particularly in anti-submarine warfare, and play a key role in enhancing regional maritime security and international defense cooperation. The achievement comes as the 350th MH-60R helicopter was delivered globally.
Joshua Deuli, the Royal Saudi Naval Forces program manager for the H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopter Program (PMA-299), said: “This milestone is a testament to the dedication of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the strength of our joint efforts. Through rigorous joint training, we have built a robust capability that enhances regional maritime security, and we are extremely proud of our Saudi partners’ accomplishments.”
Deuli added that since the signing of the Foreign Military Sales agreement and up to reaching 10,000 flight hours in June 2026, the program has succeeded in equipping the Royal Saudi Naval Forces with advanced capabilities and trained personnel, further boosting operational readiness.
The statement noted that the Royal Saudi Naval Forces have become the second partner in the US Foreign Military Sales program to achieve 10,000 flight hours with the MH-60R, underscoring the effectiveness of the training and support programs between the two navies and strengthening defense capabilities.
The MH-60R Seahawk is the US Navy’s primary platform for anti-submarine and surface warfare missions, designed to conduct a variety of land and maritime operations from ships and airfields capable of supporting aircraft.