The Government has confirmed a $2.7 billion investment in new aircraft for the New Zealand Defence Force, with Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes set to replace ageing fleets.
Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters announced today that the MH-60R Seahawk is the preferred option to replace the current maritime helicopters, while Airbus A321XLR aircraft will take over from the RNZAF’s ageing Boeing 757s.
The decision marks the first major procurement under the Defence Capability Plan (DCP), unveiled earlier this year with $12 billion in planned commitments.
The Government is allocating more than $2 billion for five Seahawk helicopters and about $700 million for two Airbus aircraft. The A321XLRs will be acquired through a six-year lease-to-buy arrangement, with capital costs of $620 million and operating costs of just over $80 million across four years.
Collins said the Seahawks will add combat and deterrence capability to New Zealand’s naval fleet, extend the surveillance range of the frigates, and ensure greater interoperability with Australia and other partners. Procurement is expected to proceed through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales programme, with Cabinet to consider the final business case next year.
The Airbus aircraft, with extra long-range capacity, are intended to provide more reliable options for transporting personnel, equipment, and government delegations, as well as humanitarian and evacuation missions. Their range also allows for flights such as Antarctica returns if conditions prevent landing.
Peters said the investment reflects the need to respond to a “sharply deteriorating” security environment and growing global tensions. The DCP will be reviewed every two years to ensure spending aligns with changing circumstances.
