Denmark signs for helos

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The government of Denmark has officially signed a letter of offer and acceptance with the U.S. Navy for buying MH-60R Seahawk helicopters.

The deal for the nine helicopters is worth $686 million, includes logistics support and comes under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

"It's great news that the Danish government has selected the U.S. Navy's MH-60R, an aircraft we believe is the world's most capable multi-mission maritime helicopter," said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Paul Grosklags, program executive officer, Air, ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs.

"Danish pilots and crew will be able to fly with the confidence that these aircraft have been proven operationally capable at sea and have the full logistics support already in place to ensure they are ready and able to fly anytime, anywhere in the world."

Denmark, which is acquiring the helicopters as part of its Maritime Helicopter Replacement Program, will receive all nine aircraft by 2018, the Navy said. They will be used for search-and-rescue or anti-surface warfare operations, anti-piracy operations and in other missions during international deployments.

Sikorsky Aviation will manufacture the helicopters while Lockheed Martin will perform mission systems integration. Other members of the Seahawk team include engine manufacturer GE, sensor supplier Raytheon Corp. and training supplier CAE.