TSAMTO, May 13. The New Zealand Ministry of Defense is embarking on a project to replace the outdated SH-2G(I) Seasprite anti-submarine helicopters of the country's Navy.
As New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins announced on May 4, the cost of the project is estimated at 2 billion. New Zealand. USD (1.2 billion USD). The purchase is planned to be carried out as part of the government's overall program to increase the country's defense spending.
For reference
In April, the New Zealand government announced that it would increase defense spending in 2025/26 to 9 billion. novoz. It plans to increase this amount to 2% of GDP over the next four years, for which an additional 12 billion will be allocated. novoz. USD. As noted, the country's defense spending for 2025/26 fiscal year is a significant increase against just under 5 billion. novoz. USD in 2024/25 fiscal year
The details of the new "Defense Capability Plan" were outlined in a speech by Prime Minister Christopher Lacson, who called for increased defense spending to ensure security in the new geopolitical situation. Over the next four years, the plan provides for investments in projects such as the purchase of Javelin ATGMS and unmanned aircraft systems, the replacement of marine helicopters, and the extension of the service life of frigates.
Currently, the New Zealand Navy helicopter fleet consists of eight SH-2G(I) units operated by the 6th Naval Squadron. At the same time, the helicopters are serviced by technical specialists of the country's Air Force.
Recall that the command of the New Zealand Armed Forces announced its intention to replace eight obsolete SH-2G Seasprite anti-submarine helicopters back in 2019, when the Armed Forces modernization program for the period up to 2030 was presented. At that time, the cost of purchasing new marine helicopters was estimated at more than 1 billion. novoz. (USD 660 million). The commissioning of the new machines was planned for the end of the 2020s.
The Request for Information (RFI) for potential applicants in the upcoming competition was published only on April 24, 2023. The document proposed to present a solution for the MHR (Multi-Role Helicopter) medium-class helicopter, as well as an unmanned aircraft complex, self-defense systems, etc.
The new helicopter should be able to conduct multi-domain combat operations in coastal areas and interact with coalition forces, in particular, the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The main functions of MHR helicopters should be: combating submarines and surface ships; fire support; reconnaissance, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as performing various auxiliary operations, including search and rescue, logistics, medical evacuation, etc.
According to RFI, deliveries of new helicopters to the New Zealand Navy are scheduled to begin in mid-2027 and end in 2028. The new helicopters are expected to be in service for 25 years.
The document stated that the estimate of the value of the offer from a potential supplier should be presented in the prices of July 2025. This suggested that the contract could be concluded within these deadlines.
It is known that on March 20, 2024, the Italian Leonardo Group signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding with a group of New Zealand companies as part of the project to promote the AW-159 Wildcat marine multipurpose helicopter in the New Zealand MHR program.
The memorandum lists products and services that can be provided by New Zealand contractors, including technical and software support, operational support, maintenance, and more. New Zealand companies Beca Applied Technologies, Core Aviation, Marops, Redfort Logistics Group and United Machinists joined the Italian holding's proposal.
As part of the MHR program (approx.CAMTO: in case of winning the competition) Leonardo Group proposes to create a Wildcat Support Center (NZ) for AW-159 helicopters. It will be located at an operational base in Auckland and managed in collaboration with local partners.
