New Zealand has unveiled plans to spend US$1.16 billion on a new fleet of Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters designed for submarine-hunting missions. The acquisition aims to enhance the nation’s maritime defense capabilities and replace outdated systems that have limited operational readiness in recent years.
The purchase covers five Seahawk helicopters, equipped with anti-submarine torpedoes, Hellfire missiles, machine guns, and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System. The deal forms part of a wider US$1.57 billion defense modernization effort, which also includes two Airbus A321XLR aircraft.
Officials noted that the Defence Force intends to expand its use of unmanned aerial drones in the coming years, adding new layers to its surveillance and strike capacity. The investments signal a shift from a primary focus on humanitarian missions to a stronger emphasis on deterrence and regional security.
The Airbus aircraft will replace aging Boeing 757s, which have suffered multiple breakdowns and disrupted official travel, including high-profile incidents affecting the prime minister. According to Defence Minister Judith Collins, the new platforms should be operational by 2028, marking a significant step in modernizing New Zealand’s defense assets.
