New Zealand requests P-8A aircraft
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential $1.46 billion foreign military sale to New Zealand for P-8A patrol aircraft and associated support, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 28 April.
New Zealand is seeking new aircraft for maritime surveillance as its current six P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft head towards retirement from service in the mid-2020s.
An RfI for a Future Air Surveillance Capability was issued last year, and an RfP is expected in 2018 to kick off a formal competition.
New Zealand's request includes up to four P-8A aircraft. The aircraft will be fitted with commercial engines, tactical open mission software, electro-optical and infrared MX-20HD, the AN/AAQ-2(V)1 acoustic system, AN/APY-10 radar and ALQ-240 electronic support measures.
Supporting equipment includes eight Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System, five Guardian laser transmitter assemblies for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N, system processors for AN/AAQ-24(V)N, AN/AAR-54 missile warning sensors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N, and LN-251 with embedded GPS/inertial navigation systems.
Training, support and engineering services are also included in the package.
If New Zealand opts for the P-8A in the future, the prime contractor for the contract will be Boeing.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
-
US Navy places $312 million contract with Textron Systems for landing craft
Textron’s latest order for Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) follows on from a contract placed in August 2023 for five LCAC.
-
Japan to boost surface fleet with new destroyers and missile ships
Japan is enhancing its naval capabilities with the construction of the 13DDX advanced destroyer and Aegis System Equipped Vessels (AESV), aiming to strengthen its air and missile defence amid increasing security threats, particularly in East Asia.