The New Zealand Defence Force has signed an agreement with the United States Government to purchase five MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters and associated systems and weapons. Total investment for the project is $1,648 million capital and $110 million average annual operating funding over the next 10 years. 

The new helicopters will be interoperable with Australia and partner defence forces and provide essential capabilities such as anti-surface and underwater warfare, search and rescue, transportation of personnel and supplies between ship and shore, and support maritime counter-terrorism operations. They are also faster and can fly further from a ship which will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates.

The agreement covers the purchase of helicopters which will be delivered from 2030, as well as spares, weapons and equipment. Funding has also been set aside for future infrastructure design costs and temporary infrastructure to house the aircraft at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai. 

Future investment decisions relating to this programme of work are expected to include infrastructure, training systems and complementary uncrewed aerial systems.

The Seahawk helicopters are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft in 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 announced investment decisions of $2.7 billion, with the MH-60R Seahawk the preferred option to replace the existing maritime helicopters. “This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” Ms Collins says.

“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.”

Mr Peters says 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.” 

Ms Collins says the maritime helicopters are versatile and add combat and deterrent capability to our naval fleet. “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,” she says.

“We will now move at pace to procure helicopters directly through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales programme instead of going to a wider tender, with Cabinet expected to consider the final business case next year.”