Purchase of Five MH-60R Maritime Helicopters Confirmed

18 Oktober 2026

An agreement has been signed with the United States Government to purchase five MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters and associated systems and weapons (photo: US Navy)

The new helicopters, which will be operated by Royal New Zealand Navy aircrew and maintained by Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel, will be interoperable with Australia and partner defence forces and provide essential capabilities such as anti-surface and underwater warfare, search and rescue, transportation of personnel and supplies between ship and shore, and support maritime counter-terrorism operations.

They are also faster and can fly further from a ship which will increase the offensive and defensive capability and surveillance range of New Zealand’s frigates.

The agreement covers the purchase of helicopters which will be delivered from 2030, as well as spares, weapons and equipment. Funding has also been set aside for future infrastructure design costs and temporary infrastructure to house the aircraft at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai. 

Total investment for the project is $1,648 million capital and $110 million average annual operating funding over the next 10 years. 

Future investment decisions relating to this programme of work are expected to include infrastructure, training systems and complementary uncrewed aerial systems.

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)

(NZDF)