The Spanish Ministry of Defence presided over the formal reception ceremony for the seventh of eight former U.S. Navy Sikorsky SH-60F helicopters acquired under the Naval Tactical Transport Helicopter (HTTN) program. Held at Naval Base Rota, the ceremony marked the helicopter's incorporation into the Spanish Navy's 10th Squadron, reinforcing its embarked tactical transport capability.
The ceremony was presided over by Director General for Armament and Materiel Admiral (Ret.) Aniceto Rosique. Representatives of the HTTN program office and the Aircraft Flotilla Support Group formally signed the acceptance documentation in the presence of senior Spanish Navy officers, including the Commander of the Aircraft Flotilla and the Admiral commanding the Cádiz Naval Arsenal.
The helicopter arrived in Spain in May 2026 after undergoing modernization in the United States, including refurbishment of its T700 engines. It is the seventh of eight former U.S. Navy SH-60F helicopters acquired to replace the retired Sea King fleet as an interim embarked tactical transport capability until the naval NH90 enters operational service.
The SH-60F fleet supports a wide range of naval missions, including the transport of Marine Corps personnel, amphibious operations, special forces insertion and extraction, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue missions, and logistical support for ships deployed at sea.
The Spanish Navy's helicopter modernization also includes the acquisition of eight MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to replace the SH-60B fleet in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions. The first MH-60R is expected before the end of 2026, with the remaining aircraft scheduled for delivery throughout 2027. The Navy is also introducing Airbus H135 helicopters for pilot training and support duties.
The sustainment of the H-60 family is supported by Spanish industry. Airbus Helicopters España performs scheduled maintenance on the SH-60B and SH-60F fleets, ITP Aero provides support for the T700 engines, and Indra is responsible for the repair and sustainment of aircraft components.
Once the eighth and final SH-60F is received, the HTTN program will provide the Spanish Navy with a complete interim fleet of former U.S. Navy helicopters, ensuring continuity of embarked tactical transport operations until the NH90 naval helicopter progressively assumes the mission.
The Spanish Navy's NH90 Maritime Standard Transport (MSPT) variant is being developed to replace the interim SH-60F fleet as the service's future embarked tactical transport helicopter. Optimized for frigate and amphibious ship operations, it incorporates corrosion protection, automatic blade and tail folding, reinforced landing gear, and mission systems tailored for naval operations. Assembly and systems integration are performed by Airbus Helicopters España in Albacete.
