New Zealand’s first P-8A aircraft arrives home
The Royal New Zealand Air Force has welcomed home its first P-8A Poseidon. (Photo: NZDF)
New Zealand’s first new maritime patrol aircraft in more than five decades has arrived at its home base.
The first of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs) for the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) touched down at RNZAF Base Ohakea on 12 December.
NZ4801 completed the ferry flight via Honolulu and Fiji after Boeing formally handed it over to New Zealand at the Museum of Flight in Seattle on 7 December.
It was the 155th Poseidon to be delivered so far, to six global customers.
On the occasion, Sarah Minson, acting deputy secretary capability delivery at New Zealand’s MoD, said: ‘As a maritime nation, delivery of the P-8A will ensure New Zealand maintains a patrol and
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US]()
SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US
The DroneShield US subsidiary is rapidly expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country and has expedited the process to double its domestic production capacity in at least four months.
-
![Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities]()
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
-
![Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order]()
Indonesia strengthens Turkish defence ties with Kizilelma drone order
Indonesia’s purchase of 12 drones with options for an additional 48 is the third deal in as many years between Indonesian and Turkish defence industries, bolstering the former’s plans to strengthen its own domestic production and defence industry.
