US Government Approved FMS for 5 MH-60R Blackhawk and 20 MK 54 Torpedoes to New Zealand

06 Juni 2026

Sikorsky MH-60R Blackhawk helicopter (photo: Dvids)

MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters

The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of New Zealand for MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $1.5 billion.

The Government of New Zealand has requested to buy five (5) MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters; seven (7) Link 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems Joint Tactical Radio Systems (5 installed, 2 spares); fourteen (14) Embedded Global Positioning System/Precise Positioning Service/Inertial Navigation Systems with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (10 installed, 4 spares); five (5) Airborne Low Frequency Sonar systems; two hundred twenty-five (225) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) missiles; two hundred twenty-five (225) WGU-59A/B APKWS II guidance sections (single variant); sixty-five (65) AGM-114R Hellfire missiles; four (4) M36E8 Hellfire Captive Air Training Missiles; five (5) digital magnetic anomaly detection systems; and five (5) M240D 7.62mm machine guns. The following non-major defense equipment items will also be included: T700-GE-401D engines; M514 impulse cartridge/cartridge actuated devices; MJ20 cartridge actuated thruster/cartridge actuated devices; WB53 fire extinguisher cartridge/cartridge actuated devices; CCU-136A/A impulse cartridges; GAU-21 crew-served guns (including pintle and laser pointer); M299 guided missile launchers; LAU-61 digital rocket launchers; AN/ARC-210 RT-2036 radios with communications security; AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems; AN/APX-123 identification friend or foe (IFF) transponders; AN/ALE-47 dispenser, electronic countermeasures; advanced data transfer systems; AN/AAS-44C(V) multi-spectral targeting systems; KIV-78 – Mode 4/5 IFF cryptographic applique; Joint Mission Planning Systems; AN/ARQ-59 Hawklink radio terminals; AN/SSQ-53 directional frequency analysis and recording sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-62 directional command activated sonobuoy system sonobuoys; AN/SSQ-36 bathythermograph sonobuoys; training simulators/operational machine interface assistants; aviation maintenance weapons loading trainer; tactical operational flight trainer; AN/ALQ-210 electronic support measures systems; APS-153(V) multi-mode radars; spare engine containers; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; communications equipment; ferry support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; obsolescence engineering, integration, and test activities required to ensure readiness for the production of the New Zealand MH-60R helicopters; training equipment; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region.

The proposed sale will improve New Zealand’s capability to meet current and future warfare threats by providing greater security for its critical infrastructure. New Zealand will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense. New Zealand will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. (US State Gov)

MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo (photo: Dvids)

MK 54 Torpedoes

The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of New Zealand for MK 54 Torpedoes and related equipment. The estimated cost is $69 million.

The Government of New Zealand has requested to buy twenty (20) MK 54 MOD 0 Lightweight Torpedoes all up round. The following non-MDE items will also be included: storage and issue facilities; recoverable exercise torpedoes; air launch accessories; classified and unclassified torpedo spare parts; torpedo containers; torpedo support equipment including test equipment and tools; torpedo support services; unclassified books and other publications; other technical assistance including technical support, technical program management, infrastructure support, test equipment sustainment, exercise firing assistance, contract management, and initial follow-on technical support; in-country torpedo training; and other related elements of logistics and program support.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region.

The proposed sale will improve New Zealand’s capability to meet current and future warfare threats and provide greater security for its critical infrastructure. New Zealand will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense. New Zealand will have no difficulty absorbing these capabilities into its armed forces. (US State Gov)