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Royal New Zealand Navy outlines modernisation goals

2nd September 2025 - 13:13 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch, New Zealand

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The replacement of second-hand SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters, acquired after Australia gave up on the platform, will begin within a few years. (Photo: author)

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has a crunch time coming up as it looks to refresh its fleet before 2040, and prepares to begin operating Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, although it is at the back of a long ordering queue. A key part of any solution is looking at what neighbouring Australia is buying.

While the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) recently received a shot in the arm with selections of Airbus A321XLR transport aircraft and Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) remains in dire need of investment.

The MH-60Rs will be crewed by the RNZN but will be maintained by the air force. They are set to enhance the limited reach of the RNZN’s surface fleet; but the country must join a queue.

Sikorsky explained to Shephard that more than 60 MH-60Rs are currently on order or in production for India, Greece, South Korea, Australia, Spain and Norway. It will

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