The Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk is New Zealand’s preferred option to replace its ageing SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters, while Airbus A321XLRs will replace the RNZAF’s two Boeing 757s.
A joint announcement by New Zealand’s Minister of Defence, Judith Collins, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, on Aug. 21, 2025 heralded the beginning of a NZ$2.7 billion investment into the country’s armed forces. The bulk of this expenditure will see the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) re-equip its maritime helicopter force, provided by No. 6 Squadron, from the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite to brand new Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawks.
Five Seahawks are intended to be acquired to replace a total of eight Seasprites, the current examples of which were purchased second hand and entered service in 2015 (replacing older Seasprite airframes). Rather than opening a tender process and seeking bids from industry, the New Zealand government wishes to expedite the procurement process for its new helicopters by engaging in a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal with the United States. The fully detailed FMS proposal would be finalized and approved by the nation’s cabinet during 2026.
Delighted to announce with @NewZealandMFA that Seahawk helicopters & Airbus planes will replace our aging Maritime helicopters & 757s. We’re rebuilding our Defence force: https://t.co/538hIufgoW
(Video credits: @NZDefenceForce @Airbus @DeptofDefense @DefenceAust ) pic.twitter.com/zOxUyzy0n2
— Judith Collins (@JudithCollinsMP) August 21, 2025
The MH-60R was chosen due to its extensive and versatile offensive and defensive capabilities, as well as the logistical and operational benefits of using the same maritime helicopter type as neighboring nation and close ally Australia. The Royal Australian Navy introduced its MH-60Rs in 2014, primarily for deployment aboard its Anzac class frigates – two of which also comprise the Royal New Zealand Navy’s surface combatant force. While New Zealand will be sticking with the Anzac class for some years to come, both of its examples having recently completed upgrade programmes, Australia has already begun decommissioning the 1990s era frigates in favor of Japanese-designed Mogami class vessels.
Collins said the procurement of the Seahawk will help to ensure New Zealand has a “critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet” at its disposal.
Meanwhile, NZ$700 million has been earmarked for a planned six-year lease-to-buy agreement on two Airbus A321XLR airliners as like-for-like replacements for the RNZAF’s Boeing 757s. The Aviationist has previously reported on the RNZAF’s weighing up of its options amid the much-maligned lack of a direct replacement for the 757 in Boeing’s product lineup. The XLR is the newest variant of the A321neo (new engine option) offering exceptional range performance up to 8,700 kilometers. It first entered commercial service in November 2024 with Spanish airline Iberia.
A variant of the XLR designed for maritime patrol and other military missions is in the concept stages, but New Zealand’s aircraft will be much the same as those in commercial service. 122 passengers will be accommodated in the cabin, while the cargo hold offers carriage for up to 9,100kg of freight. This reflects the duties performed by the Boeing 757s, which include VIP and liaison transport, general airlift, aid and evacuation missions, and, most notably, support flights for Antarctic research stations. The aircraft’s range performance is particularly desirable in the latter role, offering the ability for the aircraft to travel to and from Antarctica without refueling in case weather conditions do not permit a safe landing.
Both of New Zealand’s 757-200s are now over thirty years old, having been acquired second hand during the early 2000s. They have famously been plagued with reliability issues, stranding Government ministers up to and including the Prime Minister overseas and forcing the use of commercial services. The unreliability has meant on some occasions both aircraft have had to be deployed to support overseas VIP trips for redundancy reasons, which leaves the RNZAF unable to use the second aircraft in its other important roles.
As Defence Minister Judith Collins remarked upon originally announcing the plans to replace the 757s, “Our New Zealand Defence Force has done a remarkable job keeping 30+ years old planes able to transport personnel and equipment throughout the Pacific and even Antarctica, as well as taking trade missions around the World. That sort of age makes it difficult to get spare parts and, as any classic vehicle owner will know, they take a lot of TLC [tender loving care].”
The off the shelf nature of the new A321XLRs is likely to lead to a relatively rapid delivery process, so the timetable for introduction by the end of 2027 should be very achievable. As with the Royal Air Force’s Envoy IV CC1 executive jets, it’s likely the aircraft will be delivered in a civilian configuration with any necessary military modifications, such as defensive aids or enhanced communications, able to be installed in the longer term.
Defence Capability Plan
Foreign minister Winston Peters commented that “Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity. The DCP [Defence Capability Plan] 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.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself. @NZDefenceForce pic.twitter.com/sA0PYNOz8j
— Judith Collins (@JudithCollinsMP) April 7, 2025
This NZ$2.7 billion announcement is the first major investment to be made as part of the DCP, which was commenced to allow New Zealand’s military to adapt to an “increasingly volatile world”. Future plans call for increased strike capabilities, improved interoperability with allies, and the development of uncrewed technologies and space-based platforms. There has yet to be an indication that New Zealand will return to operating its own fighter aircraft – the RNZAF last operated its A-4 Skyhawks in 2001 – but there is a desire to procure long range remotely piloted aircraft, which may be capable of conducting strike operations.
A-4K Skyhawks RNZAF
1999, National Government ordered 28 F-16A/B aircraft to replace A-4 Skyhawks but procurement cancelled 2001 following election of Labour Govt. This followed by disbanding of 2 and 75 Skyhawk sqns and 14 Aermacchi Sqn., removing RNZAF’s air combat capability. pic.twitter.com/6mStcacdEM
— Chris Bolton (@CcibChris) February 21, 2024
At sea, uncrewed autonomous vessels will diversify the Royal New Zealand Navy’s patrol capabilities and mitigate the limitations of its relatively small manned surface fleet. They would provide a persistent surveillance capability across New Zealand’s waters and beyond.
Technologies to counter the threat of unmanned aerial threats will also be acquired, alongside modernization of the New Zealand Defence Force’s networking and communications equipment. Away from the frontline, housing and living provisions for military personnel will receive investment, which would improve morale, solidify retention, and, importantly, benefit the recruitment of new personnel who will staff the expanding military.
