Key facts
- U.S. State Department approved the sale of five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to New Zealand.
- The total value of the sale is $1.5 billion.
- New Zealand plans to nearly double its military spending over eight years.
- The sale aims to enhance New Zealand's defense capabilities and homeland security.
The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale of five MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters to New Zealand for an estimated $1.5 billion. This sale is part of New Zealand's broader strategy to significantly increase its military spending, aiming to nearly double it to 2% of GDP over eight years. The government recently allocated NZ$1.58 billion in new defense funding. The acquisition of these advanced helicopters is intended to bolster New Zealand's capabilities in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, and homeland defense, particularly in the context of China's growing military presence in East Asia. The U.S. has been encouraging allies in the Asia-Pacific to increase their defense spending. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated the government remains committed to lifting defense spending after decades of underinvestment, citing a shift to a more strategically competitive global environment.