WELLINGTON- The New Zealand Government has confirmed a major defence investment with the purchase of Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and Airbus A321XLR aircraft to replace aging fleets in the New Zealand Defence Force.
The MH-60R Seahawks will strengthen maritime operations from Auckland (AKL), while the Airbus A321XLRs will provide long-range transport capabilities to replace the existing Boeing 757 fleet operating out of Wellington (WLG). The combined investment is valued at $2.7 billion.
Photo: Clément AlloingNew Zealand Eyes MH-60R and A321XLRs
Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters announced the decisions as the first major step under the Government’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP). The plan sets out $12 billion in commitments to modernise New Zealand’s defence assets by 2025.
The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will directly replace the country’s current maritime fleet, enhancing the combat, surveillance, and operational support capacity of New Zealand’s frigates.
Five units will be procured through the United States Foreign Military Sales programme, a move that bypasses an open tender process for efficiency and interoperability.
The Airbus A321XLRs, acquired through a six-year lease-to-buy agreement, will replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Boeing 757s. This transition will ensure the Defence Force retains a reliable long-haul capability to deploy personnel, transport equipment, deliver humanitarian aid, and support evacuations in crisis zones.
Photo: By Alan Wilson from Peterborough, Cambs, UK – Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk ‘167020 / NF-702’, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=80667605Capabilities of the MH-60R Seahawk
The MH-60R Seahawk is widely regarded as one of the most advanced maritime helicopters in operation. Its design supports anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, as well as surveillance, search-and-rescue, and logistics support.
For New Zealand, the new fleet of five helicopters will significantly extend the reach of Royal New Zealand Navy frigates. This upgrade will also enhance joint operations with Australia, a key defence partner, as both nations maintain a commitment to an integrated Anzac force.
By choosing the Seahawk, New Zealand ensures compatibility with allied naval forces, boosting the effectiveness of multinational exercises and regional security operations.
Photo: Robin HARDYRole of the Airbus A321XLR
The Airbus A321XLR is an extra-long-range narrowbody aircraft capable of flying routes exceeding 8,700 km. For New Zealand, this means the Defence Force will have reliable airlift capacity across the Pacific, Asia, and into Europe without refuelling stops.
A key consideration in the acquisition was Antarctica. In situations where flights cannot land due to weather or ice conditions, the A321XLR offers the ability to return safely to New Zealand without diversion.
Financially, the A321XLRs will cost $620 million in capital investment, with an additional $80.86 million set aside for operating costs over the first four years. This approach ensures affordability while modernising New Zealand’s air transport fleet.
Strategic Importance of the Investment
Minister Peters emphasised that the decision reflects the government’s response to rising global tensions. With deteriorating security environments in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the upgrades strengthen both national defence and regional stability.
The Defence Capability Plan also provides flexibility with biannual reviews, allowing adjustments as geopolitical conditions change. This ensures New Zealand’s defence policy remains responsive and resilient in an uncertain global environment.
Minister Collins highlighted the importance of providing Defence Force personnel with tools suited to modern challenges, noting their proven track record in humanitarian missions, regional security, and international operations.
Photo: Repman | GoodfonBottom Line
This dual investment in helicopters and long-range aircraft represents a cornerstone of New Zealand’s defence modernisation strategy.
By 2025, the combined fleet of MH-60R Seahawks and Airbus A321XLRs will position the Defence Force with reliable, interoperable, and future-ready capability.
Both acquisitions underline New Zealand’s commitment to its international partners and its determination to maintain readiness across a wide range of military and humanitarian operations
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