US Navy schedules industry meeting to modernize MH-60 helicopter fleet

The U.S. Navy has announced plans to host a virtual Industry Day in late January, inviting defense contractors and technology firms to submit innovative solutions to modernize its critical MH-60R and MH-60S multi-mission helicopter fleet. This strategic move underscores the Navy's commitment to enhancing the longevity and operational capabilities of platforms that form the backbone of naval aviation globally.

The MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, are formidable assets deployed across the U.S. Navy and by international partners, including the Royal Australian Navy and seven other foreign militaries. These versatile aircraft execute a wide spectrum of missions, from Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare to Special Operations, Personnel Recovery, Airborne Mine Countermeasures, Vertical Replenishment, and Command and Control. Their unparalleled flexibility has cemented the MH-60 platform's status as a cornerstone of naval aviation for decades.

Organized by the Naval Air Systems Command’s Program Management Activity (PMA)-299, the upcoming Industry Day will focus on improving the fleet's avionics, mission systems, and weapons system architectures. The Navy's special notice emphasizes the critical importance of these helicopters, highlighting a pressing need to extend their service life and bolster their operational effectiveness in an evolving global security landscape.

The virtual event, conducted through the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium, seeks comprehensive feedback from potential contractors. This collaborative approach aims to gather diverse technical approaches, identify potential challenges, and solicit groundbreaking solutions from industry leaders. By engaging directly with innovators, the Navy intends to harness cutting-edge technologies to ensure the MH-60 fleet remains at the forefront of maritime defense capabilities for years to come.