New Zealand to Buy US Seahawks, Airbus Jets in $1.6B Deal

New Zealand has announced a 2.7 billion New Zealand dollar ($1.6 billion) military aircraft spending package aimed at replacing its aging fleet and strengthening defense capabilities. The plan includes the purchase of five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft to replace decades-old Boeing 757-2K2s.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the current environment as the most challenging strategic period in New Zealand’s modern history. Officials noted that the upgrade reflects growing security concerns in the Pacific and aims to align the country more closely with its Five Eyes partners, including the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia.

The MH-60R helicopters, costing over NZ$2 billion, will be procured directly through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program to accelerate delivery. Defense Minister Judith Collins emphasized the urgency, saying the government would “move at pace,” though she cautioned that new aircraft would still take several years to arrive due to production backlogs.

The new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will enhance long-range transport capabilities, replacing Boeing jets that have been plagued by breakdowns during government and military operations. The maritime helicopters currently in service, aging Kaman Seasprites, will be retired once the Seahawks arrive.

The defense investment is part of a broader strategy unveiled in April to double spending from 1% to 2% of GDP over the next decade. Leaders in Wellington and Canberra recently pledged to deepen military ties as China’s growing influence reshapes power dynamics in the South Pacific.

This modernization underscores New Zealand’s commitment to building a more reliable, capable, and globally interoperable defense force.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com