New Zealand orders MH-60R Seahawks

New Zealand's acquisition of five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will enhance the NZDF's ability to operate alongside similarly equipped regional partners such as Australia. (Commonwealth of Australia)

New Zealand has ordered Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky) MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to augment the New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF's) maritime helicopter fleet.

The New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 16 October that it had signed an agreement with the US government to purchase five MH-60R helicopters, associated mission systems, and weapons.

“The agreement covers the purchase of helicopters which will be delivered from 2030, as well as spares, weapons and equipment,” the MoD said.

“Funding has also been set aside for future infrastructure design costs and temporary infrastructure to house the aircraft at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base (RNZAF) Auckland in Whenuapai,” the MoD added.

According to the ministry, a capital investment of NZD1.64 billion has been allocated for the programme, in addition to NZD110 million in average annual operating funding over the next 10 years.

The contract announcement came four months after the US State Department approved the sale under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.

According to a notice published by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) in June 2026, the helicopters will be equipped with airborne low-frequency sonar systems, Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radios (MIDS-JTRs), embedded GPS/PPS/INS systems with selective availability anti-spoofing modules, and digital magnetic anomaly detection systems.

New Zealand has also sought weapons for the helicopters, including 225 WGU-59/B Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) missiles, 65 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, and five M240D 7.62 mm machine guns. According to the MoD, the helicopters will also be armed with Mk 54 anti-submarine torpedoes.