The New Zealand Government has published its 2025 Defense Capability Plan and has announced that it will replace its fleet of Super Seasprite maritime helicopters.

It plans to procure a fleet of helicopters able to operate from Navy ships replacing NZDF’s current SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite maritime helicopters operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF, which operate from the Navy’s frigates, offshore patrol vessels, the fleet tanker and multi-role vessel.

The replacement program, which has an indicative cost of over NZ$2 billion (USD 1.1 billion), may include both crewed helicopters and uncrewed aerial systems

The document highlights that SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite were purchased second hand and are reaching the end of their operational life but the report also says that maritime helicopters are a core part of the frigates’ capability extending the frigates’ surveillance range, overall weapon capability, and ability to support non-combat tasks like humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The SH-2G(I) entered New Zealand service in 2014 following a purchase deal with Kaman Aerospace following the Australian government cancelling their SH-2G(A) program, The deal also included a full-motion flight simulator and a number of Kongsberg Penguin anti-ship missiles.