The Naval Air Systems Command has awarded Lockheed Martin $382 million for eight MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters, the U.S. Department of Defense announced on 14 November.

The deal, announced Wednesday by the Department of Defense, to provides for the production and delivery of eight MH-60R aircraft as well as associated systems engineering and program management support.

Work will be performed in Owego, New York (52 percent); Stratford, Connecticut (40 percent); and Troy, Alabama (8 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2020.

The MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter is the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter. It is the most capable naval helicopter available today designed to operate from frigates, destroyers, cruisers and aircraft carriers.

The MH-60R is equipped with a highly sophisticated combat system designed to employ Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and the Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedo.

The primary missions of the helicopter is anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. Secondary missions include search and rescue, logistics support, personnel transport and medical evacuation.