Government underscores ‘combat capable’ fleet in decision on Defence helicopter and plane

Seahawk helicopters and Airbus planes are set to replace aging New Zealand Defence Force aircraft in the first major investment decisions to be made as part of the Government’s Defence Capability Plan (DCP) (PDF, 6.6 MB).

Defence Minister Judith Collins KC and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters today announced investment decisions of $2.7 billion, with the MH-60R Seahawk the preferred option to replace the existing maritime helicopters, the SH-2G(I) Seasprite.

The Airbus A321XLR (extra long range) aircraft will replace the aging Boeing 757-2K2 fleet, in service with No. 40 Squadron since 2008.

Ms Collins says the decision will ensure New Zealand has a “critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet.

“The MH-60R Seahawk is a great aircraft for what New Zealand needs and fulfils our objective of having a more integrated Anzac force, and the new planes will give us reliable aircraft to deploy personnel and respond to international events.”

The Seahawk, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (a Lockheed Martin company), has been operational with the United States since 2006. The Royal Australian Navy introduced them into service in 2014.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 6 Squadron, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has been maintaining the SH-2G(I) Seasprite Helicopter for 10 years and the earlier SH-2G(NZ) variant – introduced to service from 2001 - since the Squadron reformed in 2005. The helicopters themselves are flown by Royal New Zealand Navy crew.

Ms Collins says the maritime helicopters are versatile and add combat and deterrent capability to our naval fleet.

“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,” she says.

“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 two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be acquired on a six-year lease to buy arrangement, with capital costs of $620 million and four-year operating costs of $80.86 million. 

“New Zealand needs reliable aircraft to deploy our personnel, deliver military equipment and humanitarian aid, support the evacuation of civilians, and transport government trade and diplomatic delegations quickly, over long distances, and often at short notice.

“The decision to acquire the extra long range aircraft reflects the importance of having an aircraft capable of such things as returning safely from Antarctica if it is unable to land due to conditions on the ice.

“Our Defence Force personnel have proven time and time again they do an outstanding job and we must ensure they have the tools that are up to the task.”

Mr Peters says these decisions show how the Government is responding to the sharply deteriorating security environment.

“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity. The DCP 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.”

The $2 billion plus investment in maritime helicopters and $700 million investment in the new Airbus A321XLRs are both part of the $12 billion in planned commitments outlined in the 2025 DCP announced in April.

Read the official announcement from the Beehive. (external link)

MH-60R Seahawk technical specifications

• Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (a Lockheed Martin company)
• Length: 19.76m
• Max Speed: 333km/h (180kts)
• Range: 963 km (520 nautical miles)
• Cargo: In utility mode it can carry 1500+ kg
• Crew: 3
• Weapon systems: Mk 54 anti-submarine torpedo, AGM-114 Hellfire air-surface missiles, crew-served machine guns; Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)

Airbus A321XLR technical specifications

• Engines: Pratt & Whitney
• Wingspan: 35.80 metres
• Length: 44.51 metres
• Height: 11.76 metres
• Max cruise speed: Mach 0.78
• Range: 8,700km (4,700 nautical miles)
• Layout: standard commercial layout to accommodate 122 passengers.
• Cargo (in cargo holds): Capacity 9,100kg or 42m3
• Standard crew: Seven but can be as few as three or as many as 15 depending on mission type.