New Zealand has unveiled a major defense investment worth 2.7 billion New Zealand dollars ($1.6 billion) to modernize its air fleet, including the purchase of U.S.-made helicopters and European passenger aircraft.
The package was announced Thursday in Wellington by senior government ministers, who cited rising global instability and intensifying strategic rivalry in the Pacific.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the country was facing its most difficult security environment in decades.
He noted that New Zealand, historically sheltered by geography, can no longer assume distance will insulate it from global power struggles.
At the center of the package are five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, procured through the U.S. foreign military sales program, to replace the navy’s aging Seasprite fleet.
The deal also covers two Airbus A321XLR passenger jets, which will replace New Zealand’s more than 30-year-old Boeing 757s that have suffered frequent breakdowns during overseas trips.
Defense Minister Judith Collins explained that New Zealand would bypass a competitive tender process to accelerate the helicopter purchase, though the final business case will not go before Cabinet until 2026.
Delivery of the aircraft is expected to take several years, as New Zealand must wait in line for new production slots.
Collins rejected suggestions that buying American helicopters was an attempt to offset recent U.S. tariffs on New Zealand exports, introduced under President Trump’s trade policy.
She said the choice reflected military needs, noting that the same Seahawk model is already used by Australia, the United States, and several other allied navies.
The procurement is the first step in a broader plan unveiled in April to double defense spending from 1% to 2% of GDP within a decade.
New Zealand and Australia also pledged this month to expand military cooperation in response to China’s growing influence in the South Pacific.
Officials stressed that while the armed forces will continue to play a role in humanitarian missions, modernization is essential to ensure security and credibility alongside allies.