SH-60L development completed

The development of the Mitsubishi SH-60L Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) was completed on 22 December 2023. The programme was already started in 2015 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) under a contract awarded by the Japanese Ministry of Defence and intended to succeed the current fleet of SH-60Ks with an enhanced shipborne ASW and anti-surface warfare naval helicopter.

First flight of prototype XSH-60L 8501 in the white/red colours was conducted on 12 May 2021 and 8501 and second prototype 8502 were delivered to the MoD’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) in September 2021.

The SH-60L looks very similar to the current SH-60K but has updated engine transmission, ultra high-speed datalink and improved ASW systems. In the FY2023 defense budget the MoD requested the procurement of six SH-60Ls and in December 2023 it was announced that the MoD secured money to acquire another six in the FY2024 budget.

Both prototypes were operated by ATLA for extensive testing from September 2021 upto November/December 2023 but in February 2024 SH-60L 8502 was seen with 51 Kokutai markings so probably both helicopters have been transferred to the JMSDF at Atsugi. 51 Kokutai will begin the operational testing of all systems before mass-production units will be inducted into one of the Kokutais.

For the moment it is not known which unit will be the first to operate the SH-60L but our money is on 21 Kokutai at Tateyama.

Credit photo: びすた～り (X: @VNLK555)