The present and future of the current fleet of Sea King helicopters of the Argentine Navy have been mentioned on several occasions. The aircraft, which operate within the Second Naval Helicopter Squadron (EAH2), are one of the main rotary-wing capabilities available to the Naval Aviation Command, providing significant support to the Summer Antarctic Campaigns. For these reasons, the force has been evaluating the possibility of acquiring two additional units, following the path initiated with the helicopters purchased from Carson Helicopters in the United States.
As mentioned in a recent publication by Zona Militar, where we briefly analyzed the present and future of EAH2, we pointed out that the current fleet of UH-3H/PH-3 Sea King helicopters is nearing the end of its operational life. This situation requires the incorporation of new units sooner rather than later to sustain the unit’s capabilities. To cite a few examples, these aircraft, embarked from the icebreaker ARA Almirante Irízar, are deployed in Antarctica to support the CAV in personnel transport and VERTREP tasks, among other operations.
Due to this situation, one of the most significant acquisitions in this segment was the purchase of two Sea King helicopters from the U.S. company Carson Helicopters. These helicopters were duly remanufactured and modernized to meet new international standards and were received in 2022.
However, the accident involving one of these aircraft during the last Antarctic Summer Campaign (CAV), the 2-H-244, led to a reduction in the availability of helicopters. This was evident in recent exercises such as Gringo-Gaucho II, where the Argentine Navy deployed two Sea King helicopters, one of which was the 2-H-241, which is nearing the end of its operational life.
Given this situation, and taking advantage of the upcoming visit of representatives from Carson Helicopters to the country to carry out repairs and inspections on the 2-H-244, various steps are being taken to evaluate the possibility and options for acquiring two additional Sea King helicopters with similar characteristics and functionalities to those purchased from the company in 2022.
Beyond the visit of the U.S. representatives, the Argentine Navy’s plans to incorporate additional Sea King units are not new. There are even medium- to long-term plans to replace the platform. One such unfulfilled plan dates back decades when COAN considered acquiring SH-60B Seahawks from the United States. However, the lack of political will and resources left these plans on hold for better times. Currently, the Bravo models are also being retired and replaced by MH-60R helicopters, as is the case with the Spanish Navy.
As of today, these plans are undergoing feasibility analysis, pending meetings between Carson Helicopters representatives and the Argentine Navy. It should also be noted that if the acquisition moves forward, it should parallel the purchase of light helicopters for the First Naval Helicopter Squadron, which is in an even more critical situation in terms of asset availability.
*Photos used for illustration purposes.
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