New Zealand has identified the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk as the preferred option to replace its aging fleet of SH-2G(I) Seasprite maritime helicopters.
The country plans to acquire five MH-60R Seahawks from the U.S. government, in a sale valued at about NZ$2 billion (US$1.6 billion), according to multiple reports.
“The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force,” said Judith Collins, the national defense minister, in a statement.
“These five Seahawks will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of Royal New Zealand Navy’s frigates and ensure we are interoperable with our ally Australia and other partner defence forces.
“We will now move at pace to get the process under way 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.”
The new helicopters are part of a plan to double defense spending from one percent to two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) within the next 10 years.
New Zealand’s aging fleet of Seasprites are flown by pilots from the Royal New Zealand Navy, and maintained by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 6 Squadron.
The U.S. has operated Seahawks since 2006, and the Royal Australian Navy introduced them to service in 2014, according to a release.
With a maximum speed of 180 knots (333 kilometers per hour) and a range of 520 nautical miles (963 kilometers), the aircraft’s weapons systems include Mk 54 anti-submarine torpedoes, AGM-114 Hellfire air-surface missiles, and crew-served machine guns.
“This decision will ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet,” said Collins.
“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity,” added Winston Peters, the country’s foreign minister.