New Zealand Bolsters Defense with $1.5 Billion Seahawk Helicopter Deal
The sale also includes $69 million in torpedoes, and the State Department said the helicopters will strengthen homeland defence and critical infrastructure security.
- On Friday, the United States State Department approved a $1.5 billion sale of five MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters to New Zealand, enhancing the nation's capability to meet current and future warfare threats.
- Last month, United States Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth accused allies spending less than 3.5% of GDP of "freeloading" during a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
- Managed by Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky unit, the Seahawk purchase is part of New Zealand's $9 billion defence expenditure plan by 2025, alongside a separate $69 million sale of MK 54 torpedoes.
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated on June 6 that the government remains committed to lifting defence spending after 30 years of underinvestment, saying "It's entirely appropriate that we double our defence spending."
- Former Defence Minister Judith Collins noted the helicopters "ensure New Zealand has a critical combat capable, interoperable and dependable fleet" as the nation increases deployments across East Asia amid China's rapid military rise.
15 Articles
15 Articles
New Zealand Bolsters Defense with $1.5 Billion Seahawk Helicopter Deal
The United States approved a $1.5 billion deal to sell five Seahawk helicopters to New Zealand to enhance its military capabilities. New Zealand aims to almost double its defense spending, aligning with U.S. desires for increased military budgets among allies, amidst regional tensions.
US approves $1.5 bln sale of maritime helicopters to New Zealand
US approves $1.5 billion sale of maritime helicopters to New Zealand
The U.S. has approved a $1.5 billion sale of five Seahawk helicopters to New Zealand, a move supporting the nation's plan to nearly double military spending. This initiative aims to bolster defense capabilities amid a shifting global strategic landscape and China's military rise, enhancing security for critical infrastructure and homeland defense.
US approves $2.6b military helicopter deal with NZ
The government last August announced plans to purchase five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to replace the existing maritime fleet. Photo: RNZ The US has approved a NZ$2.6 billion sale of five Seahawk maritime helicopters to New Zealand, after the government pledged to nearly double its military spending as it seeks to boost defence capabilities.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
