Underlying political tension in the Eastern Mediterranean has seen military spending on the increase in recent months, a trend continued by the Greek government's decision to buy two Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk helicopters with options for two more.
The Hellenic Navy already operates eight S-70B-6 helicopters, designated Aegean Hawks. The aircraft are designed to perform anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface unit warfare missions, with an integrated suite of dipping sonar, search radar, electronic support measures and the Penguin anti-ship missile.
The Navy's Aegean Hawks also support civilian search and rescue needs, including medical evacuation missions, transporting patients from remote islands to mainland hospitals. Sikorsky has also concluded deals with Turkey, covering the purchase of Seahawks, S-70 Black Hawks and S-80E heavy-lift helicopters.
Source: Flight Daily News