SH-60K is a new patrol helicopter developed as a successor to the SH-60J anti submarine helicopter currently in operation. SH-60K is carried onboard a destroyer and in cooperation with the vessel fulfills versatile missions, such as anti submarine warfare, anti surface warfare, surveillance, transport, and rescue operations. For this purpose, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has put state-of-the-art technology to full use to develop the main rotor blade, avionics system, Ship Landing Assist System, and other systems of this specialized aircraft with the most advanced functions and levels of performance in the world. After the development phase from 1997 through 2002, technical and operational validation test were carried out by the Japanese government, after which MHI delivered the first production aircraft to the Maritime Self-Defense Forces on 10 August 2005.