New Zealand signs deal for five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

New Zealand has signed an agreement with the US government to buy five Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, along with associated systems and weapons. The deal was signed on 16 October under the US Foreign Military Sales framework, after being announced in August 2025.

The project has a total capital cost of almost NZ$1.65 billion ($934 million), with an average annual operating budget of NZ$110 million over the next decade. Deliveries are due to start in 2030.

The Seahawks will replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force's eight Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprites. That takes the fleet from eight aircraft to five, but the Ministry of Defence says the MH-60R will extend surveillance reach and improve the strike and defence capabilities of New Zealand's frigates.

The package covers anti-submarine warfare sensors and equipment and surface warfare items, including 225 BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guided rockets and 65 Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. Quantities of other items were not disclosed.

The helicopters are intended for anti-surface and anti-submarine missions, search and rescue, maritime counter-terrorism, and moving personnel and cargo between ship and shore. The purchase is also expected to improve interoperability with Australia and other allies such as the US.

By the source's figures, the MH-60R is considerably faster and longer-legged than the Super Seasprite it replaces. The older helicopter reaches about 130kt (240km/h) with a range of 275nm (509km). The Seahawk has a maximum speed of roughly 180kt and an operational range of about 520nm.