The Royal Saudi Navy fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters has surpassed the 10,000 flight hour milestone, an achievement that reflects the development of the Saudi naval forces' operational capabilities and underscores the strength of the defense partnership with the U.S. Navy.

Saudi crews logged more than 4,300 flight hours and 3,200 hours on simulators during intensive training programs overseen by U.S. Navy instructors at Naval Station Mayport in Florida, as part of the pilot, sensor operator, and maintenance crew qualification program.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense's 'DVIDS' media platform, the Foreign Military Sales program for the Royal Saudi Navy began in July 2015 and included the delivery of 10 MH-60R helicopters, along with advanced training and qualification programs. The first batch of five helicopters arrived in Jubail in February 2020, while delivery of the second batch was completed in December 2022.

Since then, the helicopters have logged more than 5,600 operational flight hours within the Kingdom, contributing to the execution of naval missions and operations.

The statement also noted that one of the Royal Saudi Navy's MH-60R helicopters conducted an AGM-114 Hellfire missile launch during flight operations near Naval Air Station Jubail, confirming that the Seahawk helicopters serve as the primary multi-mission combat platform for the Saudi naval forces in anti-submarine warfare and contribute to enhancing regional maritime security and international defense cooperation. It added that this achievement came after the delivery of the 350th MH-60R helicopter worldwide.

Joshua Dewley, the Royal Saudi Navy director within the H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopter Program (PMA-299), said: 'This achievement is a testament to the dedication of the Royal Saudi Navy and the strength of our joint efforts. Through meticulous combined training, we have built a robust capability that enhances regional maritime security, and we are extremely proud of what our Saudi partners have accomplished.'

Dewley added that the program, from the signing of the Foreign Military Sales agreement to reaching 10,000 flight hours in June 2026, has successfully provided the Royal Saudi Navy with advanced capabilities and trained personnel, enhancing its operational readiness.

The statement noted that the Royal Saudi Navy became the second partner in the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program to achieve the 10,000 flight hour milestone with MH-60R helicopters, underscoring the effectiveness of training and support programs between the two navies and reinforcing defense capabilities.

The MH-60R Seahawk is the U.S. Navy's primary platform for anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare, designed to conduct various land and sea operations from ships and aviation facilities capable of operating aircraft.

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