New Zealand unveils $2.7B defense upgrade with new Seahawks and Airbus A321XLRs

The New Zealand government has revealed plans for new military spending totaling NZ$2.7 billion (US$1.6 billion) to replace the aging Maritime helicopters and Boeing 757 aircraft of the country’s Defense Force. 

The plan, unveiled on August 21, 2025, by Defense Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, includes the acquisition of five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft. 

The investments form part of the government’s NZ$12 billion (US$7.08 billion USD) Defense Capability Plan (DCP) unveiled in April 2025. 

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

Collins said the five new Seahawks will strengthen New Zealand’s frigates by improving both offensive and defensive capabilities while making sure the country is interoperable with allies like Australia. 

The helicopters, costing more than NZ$2 billion (US$1.18 billion), will be procured “at pace” through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales program, with the Cabinet expected to review the final business case in 2026. 

Commenting on the new acquisitions, Collins said: “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.” 

Meanwhile, the two new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will be obtained through a six-year lease-to-buy deal, costing NZ$620 million (US$384 million) for capital and NZ$80.86 million (US$50 million) for operating expenses over four years. 

“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,” Collins said. 

According to Peters, the decision to purchase new MH-60R Seahawks and lease Airbus A321XLR aircraft demonstrates the government’s reaction to the worsening security environment. 

“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity,” he added. “The DCP provides the foundation for our uplift in defense spending, and two-yearly reviews of the plan will allow us to adapt to an ever-changing security environment.” The post New Zealand unveils $2.7B defense upgrade with new Seahawks and Airbus A321XLRs appeared first on AeroTime.

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