NZ Allocates $1.6B for US Helicopters and Airbus Aircrafts

New Zealand unveiled a NZ$2.7 billion ($1.6 billion) investment to purchase five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, signaling a significant move to upgrade its outdated defense fleet.

Officials announced New Zealand plans to allocate NZ$2 billion for Lockheed Martin Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters and NZ$700 million for Airbus A321XLR aircraft.

These acquisitions are key elements of the Defence Capability Plan unveiled by the government in April.

In April, New Zealand announced plans to raise defence expenditure by NZ$9 billion over four years, aiming to approach 2% of GDP within the next eight years as part of its Defence Capability Plan.

Collins announced New Zealand will accelerate helicopter purchases through the US Foreign Military Sales program, with final approval expected from cabinet next year. The two Airbus aircraft will replace Boeing 757planes under a six-year lease-to-own agreement.

Collins emphasised the new fleet will be dependable, interoperable, and combat-capable.

New Zealand plans to allocate NZ$2 billion for Lockheed Martin Sikorsky helicopters and NZ$700 million for Airbus A321XLRs, according to a joint statement from Ministers Judith Collins and Winston Peters.

New Zealand committed in April to a NZ$9 billion defence boost over four years, targeting 2% of GDP by 2033. Collins stated the helicopter purchase will be expedited through the US Foreign Military Sales program, pending cabinet approval next year.

New Zealand’s aging 757s, now over 30 years old, have suffered repeated breakdowns, leaving officials stranded and reliant on commercial flights. Collins said the new investment will deliver a reliable, combat-capable, and interoperable fleet.

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