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The U.S. State Department has approved a possible $425 million Foreign Military Sale to Denmark for three MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters and related equipment.

The approval came shortly after Washington and Copenhagen deepened their defense cooperation under a new agreement that expands the U.S. military role in Greenland and the wider Arctic.

The proposed Seahawk sale, announced on September 22, 2026, would strengthen Denmark’s maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and homeland defense capabilities.

Under the proposed sale, Denmark would receive three MH-60R helicopters along with a wide range of mission and support equipment.

The package includes eight embedded GPS and precision-positioning/inertial navigation systems, including six for installation and two spares, as well as three digital magnetic anomaly detection systems used to help detect submarines.

The helicopters would also be equipped with multi-mode radars, missile warning systems, electronic support measures, electronic countermeasures, advanced data-transfer systems, communications equipment and multi-spectral targeting systems.

The deal also includes spare T700-GE-401D engines, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, secure communications systems, technical documentation, personnel training, logistics support and engineering services.

The State Department said the proposed sale would improve Denmark’s ability to respond to current and future threats and provide greater protection for critical infrastructure. “Denmark will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense,” the Department said.

The U.S. government said the sale would support the security of a NATO ally and would not require additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Denmark. It also said the transaction would have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.

The principal contractors identified for the potential sale are Lockheed Martin and Sikorsky. The approval is not a finalized contract. Denmark and the United States would still need to complete the necessary arrangements before the transfer takes place.

Denmark Expands an Existing Seahawk Fleet

The three new helicopters would add to Denmark’s existing fleet of nine MH-60R Seahawks. Denmark received its existing aircraft between 2016 and 2018, and the Royal Danish Air Force already operates the type from Squadron 723 at Air Base Karup in Jutland.

The MH-60R is designed for a range of maritime missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, maritime patrol, search and rescue, and other operations. Some Danish Seahawks can also operate from Royal Danish Navy vessels.

Because Denmark already operates the aircraft, the new purchase would build on an existing training, maintenance and logistics structure rather than introduce a completely new helicopter type.

The State Department said Denmark would have no difficulty absorbing the additional aircraft and equipment into its armed forces because it is already operating the MH-60R.

The proposed sale follows another U.S. approval in June for Denmark to acquire Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range and associated support, adding another element to Denmark’s growing U.S.-supplied defense capabilities.

Stronger Focus on Arctic and North Atlantic Security

The recent Greenland agreement and subsequent military sales give greater importance to Denmark’s ability to monitor and defend its Arctic and North Atlantic territories.

The Greenland agreement specifically calls for Denmark to continue strengthening its security posture in the Arctic through land, maritime, air and space capabilities, increased surveillance, and greater cooperation with NATO allies.

The new U.S.-Denmark-Greenland agreement also places restrictions on military and strategic activity by non-NATO states in Greenland. It states that non-NATO countries will not be allowed to establish military installations or maintain a persistent military presence there unless the parties agree otherwise.

It also introduces restrictions on certain foreign investments in sensitive sectors where they could pose national security or public-order concerns.

Wider Defense Expansion

The Seahawk proposal also comes as Denmark continues to strengthen several parts of its military capabilities.

In addition to the proposed MH-60R purchase and the earlier approval for JASSM-ER missiles, Denmark has been investing in radar, armored vehicle support and counter-drone capabilities.

The United States is also expanding its own military access in Greenland under the new agreement. The combination of expanded U.S. access and stronger Danish capabilities could provide greater integration between Danish and U.S. forces in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The agreement specifically links U.S. access to the defense of the NATO area, Greenland and North America, including through a possible Golden Dome missile defense system.

For Denmark, the Seahawk acquisition therefore comes at a time when Arctic security is becoming more closely connected with maritime surveillance, air defense, missile warning, space systems and NATO cooperation.

Growing Use of MH-60R by US Allies

Denmark’s potential purchase is also part of a broader pattern of U.S. allies expanding their MH-60R helicopter fleets.

The United States recently approved a potential $2.4 billion sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to South Korea. The deal would add to South Korea’s earlier order for 18 Seahawks.

In June, the United States also approved a potential $1.5 billion transfer of MH-60R helicopters and related equipment to New Zealand.

The continued adoption of the Seahawk by U.S. partners allows those countries to operate a common maritime helicopter platform and maintain closer interoperability with U.S. naval forces.