New Zealand’s government has announced a significant investment of nearly NZ$3 billion to upgrade its ageing defence fleet.
The plan includes purchasing five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for NZ$2 billion and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft for NZ$700 million.
Defence Minister Judith Collins emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “These are once-in-a-generation investments which are a vital down payment on our future security and our prosperity in a world where tensions are rising and distance no longer provides New Zealand the protection it once did.”
This defence upgrade is part of a broader commitment to boost defence spending by NZ$9 billion over the next four years. New Zealand aims to nearly double its defence spending to 2% of its GDP in the next eight years.
Collins highlighted the necessity of having a well-equipped defence force, saying, “defence is not something that can be mothballed until you need it. We need a force that is ready and equipped to do whatever is asked of it today, tomorrow and beyond, and to ensure we can deploy, deter, defend and respond to protect New Zealand.”
The decision to upgrade the defence fleet comes after years of reliability issues with New Zealand’s current aircraft.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon previously described the situation as “incredibly embarrassing” after being forced to travel on a commercial flight due to maintenance issues with the RNZAF Boeing 757.
Other prime ministers, including Dame Jacinda Ardern and Sir John Key, have also faced similar challenges with the ageing fleet.
The new Airbus A321XLR aircraft will replace the Boeing 757 planes and are equipped with long-range capabilities, allowing them to return safely from Antarctica if needed.
These planes will be acquired through a six-year lease-to-buy arrangement and are expected to be ready for use by 2028. The MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will enhance New Zealand’s maritime capabilities, equipped with torpedoes and missiles to increase the lethality and defensive capability of the fleet.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized the government’s response to the deteriorating security environment, stating, “global tensions are increasing rapidly and we must invest in our national security to ensure our economic prosperity.”
This investment aligns with New Zealand’s Defence Capability Plan, which outlines a 15-year strategy for modernizing the country’s defence force.
New Zealand’s increased defence spending reflects a global trend of nations prioritizing national security amidst rising tensions. As Defence Minister Collins noted, “we need a force that is ready and equipped to do whatever is asked of it today, tomorrow and beyond.”
This significant investment in defence upgrades demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to protecting its interests and ensuring its security in an increasingly complex world.