NZ begins the search for replacement naval helicopters
New Zealand operates eight SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopters procured second-hand from Australia. (Photo: NZDF)
New Zealand kicked off a market research exercise seeking a replacement maritime helicopter by issuing an RfI on 24 April.
Officially called the Maritime Helicopter Replacement (MHR) project, it encompasses five aspects: naval helicopters, UAVs, through-life support, training systems and mission support system integration.
The future MHRs will perform the military roles of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, joint fires support, ISR and force protection. Other support roles include search and rescue, air logistics support (e.g. vertical replenishment), casualty evacuation and boarding operations.
New Zealand is looking for a contemporary solution to conduct multi-domain warfare, which offers increased littoral and land effects,
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
-
Sophistication versus simplification: the divided future of air-to-air missiles
As global air combat operations continue to evolve at a rate not seen for decades, what will the next generation of air-to-air weapons look like, and what missions will they need to fulfil?
-
AUSA 2026: New multiwarhead loitering munition enters increasingly competitive market
Heaviside Industries has unveiled its new Tyr loitering munition at AUSA 2026 in Washington, DC, joining a growing field of manufacturers seeking to capitalise on billions of dollars in anticipated military spending.
-
Middle Eastern demand opens fresh export prospects for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet
A proposed Saudi Arabian purchase of 48 stealth fighters could signal a broader regional opportunity for the F-35 as European programmes mature.
-
US military plans multi-UAV trials with Northrop Grumman quantum-navigated Lumberjack
An undisclosed US military branch is preparing to evaluate multiple Lumberjack Group 3 drones equipped with SandboxAQ’s AQNav magnetic-navigation system. Shephard spoke with Northrop Grumman and SandboxAQ to find out more.
-
Akinci: How Baykar turned the UAV into an African and Middle Eastern export success
From billion-dollar industrial partnerships in the Middle East to rapid military off-the-shelf deliveries in Africa, Baykar has tailored the Akinci to the needs of very different customers. Defence Insight data shows how flexibility, price and Turkish supply-chain independence have helped drive exports.