New Zealand looks to sell off its Orions
The NZDF is selling five of its six P-3K2 Orions. (Photo: NZDF)
The New Zealand Defence Force is seeking buyers for five out of its six P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has released an RfT notice for the sale of all bar one of its fleet of Lockheed Martin P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft.
Responses are due by 8 April via the NZDF SmartProcure system.
The NZDF announced on 18 February that it is offering five aircraft from the fleet ‘plus support inventory for tender’.
Support items for sale include flight deck and tactical rail simulators, ground support equipment including docking stands, spares inventory and special test equipment.
The RfT notice stated that the Orions will be progressively retired in 2022-23.
They will be replaced by four P-8A Poseidon aircraft ordered in 2018 via the US FMS programme.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2026.
-
![Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026]()
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
![January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026]()
January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026
The first month of 2026 has seen activity in the MALE, rotary-wing, and loitering munition UAV markets, with significant investments and commitments from Germany, Turkey, the UAE and the US. At the same time, questions over loitering munition performance in Ukraine highlight the growing scrutiny alongside rising demand.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.
