Multi-Mission Helicopter Upgrade Dev

The MH-60R/S program pursues upgrades and enhancements that pace the rapidly evolving threat and improve safety-of-flight for its pilots and aircrew. These efforts include improvements to existing sensors, network capabilities, weapon systems, avionics, communications, and navigation systems as well as integration of modern precision guided air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, fixed-forward and crew-served weapons, the Sensor Operator Console, data-fusion capability, and cUAS. The program is continuously evaluating Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and making incremental improvements to various airframe, flight safety, mission systems, training systems and mission-planning systems. The program will continue development of architecture to support integration of secure, over-the-horizon communications in addition to modern en route navigation and terminal approach systems. MH-60R/S research and development initiatives include targeted improvements of the platform's cybersecurity posture, continued development of federated systems to rapidly field new capabilities, and development of Air Launched Effects (ALE). FY 2027 budget request funds the following: 1. System Configuration (SC) capability increases, Modernized Tactical Networks (to include Enhanced Throughput (ET) and Tactical Targeting Network Technology (i.e. mesh networks)), Radar Hardware and Software enhancements in support of Minotaur Family of Systems (MFoS), DMSMS solutions for the Air Vehicle, Mission Systems and Avionics, to include MH-60 Displays, Embedded Global Positioning System(GPS)/Inertial Navigation System (INS), Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) data transfer, Radar technical refresh, Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS), Common Datalink (CDL), Interface Unit Automatic Data Processing (IUADP) and Advanced Flight Control Computer obsolescence redesign. Obsolescence issues are expected to impact MH-60 readiness/availability beginning in FY27 and may require interim solutions until the MH-60 SLM development and fielding is completed. 2. Integration of the updated Link 16 Advanced Capabilities software and Tactical Networking (i.e. mesh network) to enable over-the-horizon targeting, enhance target sorting, and serve as a force multiplier in network enabled and long-range maritime targeting weapon engagements. 3.

Under SLM, the MH-60 program will develop an open agile architecture that resolves multiple obsolescence issues within the flight critical avionics, and mission systems that can rapidly respond to emerging threats and fleet requirements ensuring the MH-60 continues to be a relevant, supportable, and cost-effective platform. FY 2027 budget request funds the following: 1. Initiate development of acquisition documentation for TALON Middle-Tier-of-Acquisition prototypes 2. Refine the TALON System Model for both the Flight Critical Avionics Segment (FCAS) and the Mission Systems and Weapon Segment (MSWS) 3. Award initial contract for the preliminary design of the FCAS and Digital Backbone (DBB) 4. Identify and develop test infrastructure and support building initial test development requirements for SLM efforts 5. FY 2027 funds lay the groundwork for multiple contract awards (including OTAs) in FY 2028

FY 2025 Congressional Capability Upgrade funding of $4.827 million will fund the development, integration and testing of the proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) Skyhook System and the Kraken 18 Communication Pod as federated systems onto the MH-60. The FY 2026 Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) Congressional upgrade funding of $9.653M will fund pursuing upgrades and enhancements to pace the rapidly evolving threat landscape and improve flight safety. Key efforts include the development, integration, and testing of a resilient, multi-waveform communication architecture for aviation platforms. The primary objective is to ensure robust, high-throughput connectivity across Line-of-Sight (LOS) and BLOS environments to support modern warfighting concepts. These initiatives are critical for enhancing battlespace awareness, enabling network-enabled weapon engagements, and providing secure data transport for Command and Control (C2) across distributed forces. The FY 2026 Capability Congressional upgrade funding of $9.654M will fund critical modernization and supportability efforts for the MH-60R/S to enhance system reliability, improve cybersecurity, and expand mission planning capabilities. Funds will support improvements to system maintainability, acquiring essential data rights for Link-16, implementing a cyber bus monitoring solution, developing a common mission planning tool for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and providing test and evaluation support for the Minotaur family of systems. These efforts are essential for maintaining the operational effectiveness of the MH-60 fleet and ensuring it can meet current and future mission demands. The FY 2026 Mission Systems Modernization Congressional upgrade funding of $29.926M will fund Digital Engineering Environment development including Living Laboratory and DevSecOps Pipeline development. Additionally, funds will be provided for Modular Architecture for Survivability and Targeting (MAST) prototype development that will enhance MH-60 passive sensing and targeting capabilities. Funds will also address Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) obsolescence re-design efforts for the MH-60.