Today the Government announced the MH-60R Seahawk is the preferred option to replace NZDF’s existing maritime helicopters and the Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft will replace the aging 757 fleet.
The new MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will be interoperable with our ally Australia and partner defence forces and will be able to contribute to multi-national coalition missions. This helicopter is used by Australia, the US and 7 other countries.
Formal discussions are now underway to procure the aircraft through the US Foreign Military Sales programme, with a view to Government making final decisions next year.
More than $2 billion has been budgeted for the purchase which will increase the defensive and offensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates. Project costs will be released after final decisions are made.
The Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft will be acquired using a six-year lease to buy arrangement, with capital costs of $620 million and four year operating costs of $80.86 million.
The fleet will be based at Whenuapai and operated by 40 Squadron. They will be used for a variety of missions including:
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Military operations: The primary purpose of the new aircraft fleet will be the transportation of NZDF personnel and freight for military operations. The new fleet will continue to conduct missions such as transporting NZDF personnel and their equipment for deployments. Due to their longer flight range, the new aircraft can better support NZDF’s Antarctic operations.
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Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR): The new aircraft will continue to support short notice, rapid response Government directed tasks where commercial airliners cannot or do not operate. These tasks can include disaster relief operations throughout New Zealand and in the Pacific and the evacuation of citizens.
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Trade and partnerships: The new aircraft will be used for diplomatic and trade missions in our region and across the world, particularly for large delegations. It will provide a responsive capability, able to fly into Pacific Islands as well as other areas not frequently served by commercial airlines.
Contract negotiations to secure two Airbus A321XLRs are nearing completion. As they are a commercial-of-the-shelf purchase they will be fitted out and ready to operate soon after arrival in early 2028.
