As the Merlin HM.1 became more widespread amongst the UK anti-submarine community, the Sea King HAS.6 it was replacing were displaced from front line duties. This gave an opportunity to remove the ASW fit and make other modifications to the HAS.6, to augment the Commando Helicopter Force, which was stretched by simultaneous operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. After conversion work at NASU VL and Fleetlands, the first HC.6s started to appear in spring 2006. 
List of Operators of Sea King HC.6 |
Construction Numbers |
| C/N | Year | History | |
|---|---|---|---|
| wa 664 | 1971 |  XV676 | |
| wa 671 | 1971 | XV700 | |
| wa 674 | 1971 | XV703 | |
| wa 848 | 1977 | XZ580 | |
| wa 882 | 1979 | XZ922 |
