New Zealand to purchase five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from US

New Zealand has signed an agreement with the United States government to purchase five MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters through the Foreign Military Sales program. The procurement is intended to replace the Royal New Zealand Navy’s existing fleet of eight Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprites.

The deal includes associated systems, weapons, spare parts, ground support equipment, and training. Weaponry for the new helicopters will include MK 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes, AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, GAU-21 and M240D machine guns, and APKWS rockets. These aircraft will enhance the navy’s capabilities in anti-surface and underwater warfare, search and rescue, and maritime counterterrorism operations.

Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030. The total project cost is estimated at NZ$1.648 billion (approximately US$925 million), with an anticipated annual operational cost of NZ$110 million over the next decade. Funding has also been allocated for infrastructure design and temporary housing for the aircraft at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai.