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The New Zealand government has announced it will acquire MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and Airbus A321XLR aircraft to replace ageing aircraft in its New Zealand Defence Force fleet.
The Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes have been announced as the first major investment decisions to be made as part of the government’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP).
Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters confirmed the investment decision of $2.7 billion, with the MH-60R Seahawk the preferred option to replace the existing maritime helicopters.
The Airbus A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) aircraft will replace the ageing 757 fleet.
“This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” Minister Collins said.
“The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force, and the new planes will give us reliable aircraft to deploy personnel and respond to international events.
“These five Seahawks will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates and ensure we are interoperable with our ally Australia and other partner defence forces.
“We will now move at pace to procure helicopters directly through the United States’ foreign military sales program instead of going to a wider tender, with cabinet expected to consider the final business case next year.
“The two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be acquired on a six-year lease to buy arrangement, with capital costs of $620 million and four-year operating costs of $80.86 million.
“New Zealand needs reliable aircraft to deploy our personnel, deliver military equipment and humanitarian aid, support the evacuation of civilians, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly, over long distances and often at short notice.
“The decision to acquire the extra long range aircraft reflects the importance of having an aircraft capable of such things as returning safely from Antarctica if it is unable to land due to conditions on the ice.
“Our Defence Force personnel have proven time and time again they do an outstanding job and we must ensure they have the tools that are up to the task.”
The $2 billion plus investment in maritime helicopters and $700 million investment in the new Airbus A321XLRs are both part of the $12 billion in planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP announced in April.
Minister Peters said these decisions show how the government is responding to the sharply deteriorating security environment.
“Global tensions are increasing rapidly and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity.
“The DCP provides the foundation for our uplift in defence spending, and two-yearly reviews of the plan will allow us to adapt to an ever-changing security environment.”
