The Mk.41 was the first export sale of the Westland Sea King. Twenty-two were ordered in May 1969 fitted for Search and Rescue (SAR) with an enlarged cabin, more fuel and without sonar. First example flew in March 1972 and they were all delivered between April 1973 and September 1974 to MFG 5. One early write off (Jan 1974) resulted in a replacement airframe being delivered.
They were upgraded between 1986 and 1988 receiving a Ferranti Seaspray radar in a nose radome adding the capability to carry Sea Skua anti-ship missiles.
In March 2015, after years of delay, 18 NH90 NTH Sea Lion maritime helicopters were authorized as replacement of the Sea King which will be retired in 2024.
They were upgraded between 1986 and 1988 receiving a Ferranti Seaspray radar in a nose radome adding the capability to carry Sea Skua anti-ship missiles.
In March 2015, after years of delay, 18 NH90 NTH Sea Lion maritime helicopters were authorized as replacement of the Sea King which will be retired in 2024.
Units
| 1973-2024 | Marinefliegergeschwader 5MFG5 |
| 1973-1997 | Marinefliegerlehrgruppe |
| 1973-1974 | Foreign Training UnitRNFTU |
Platforms
| AO 404 Elbe class |
| AO 702 Class |
