Avalon 2017: Saab tries to hook NZ on Swordfish
New Zealand’s future requirement for a maritime patrol aircraft to replace the in-service Lockheed Martin P-3K2 Orion is attracting a number of contenders, including Saab’s Swordfish.
Saab conformed to Shephard that its offering will be based on the Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, with its range of 5,200nm and maximum cruise speed of 450kt suitable for the long distances and vast areas that the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) must patrol.
With neighbouring Australia having selected the Boeing P-8A Poseidon, some think New Zealand might edge towards the same for interoperability reasons.
However, Richard Hjelmberg, Saab’s head
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 Naval Warfare
-
![SAHA 2026: Turkey markets modular undersea systems to European buyers]()
SAHA 2026: Turkey markets modular undersea systems to European buyers
Turkey’s defence industry is pushing a class of platform and building an entire philosophy of cost-imposition around it.
-
![STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent]()
STM’s European wins strengthen Turkey’s naval credibility on the continent
Turkish defence and engineering company STM is attempting to challenge Europe’s established naval primes by winning contracts from Portugal to Pakistan – with a business model built on working in any shipyard in the world.
-
![SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea]()
SAHA 2026: Aselsan seeks to replicate Turkey’s UAV success at sea
Turkey’s defence electronics company has unveiled two new uncrewed naval systems at SAHA 2026 – but the harder test will be converting it into an export success.
