Summarised by Centrist
The government will spend more than $2 billion to replace the Navy’s ageing Seasprite helicopters.
The plan involves purchasing five new helicopters to replace the remaining Seasprites, which are nearing the end of their service life.
While a delivery timeline has not been confirmed, Defence Minister Judith Collins said a business case would be developed before the end of the year.
Collins made the announcement alongside Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters at Whenuapai Air Force Base in Auckland.
“As a maritime nation we are prioritising naval capability,” she said.
The Navy once operated eight Seasprites but now relies on five, with the rest used for parts.
Collins framed the investment as part of a larger shift: ‘It is very clear that New Zealand is not immune from the increasing tensions being felt throughout the world. Our personnel are being called upon to go more places, more often and for longer.’
Luxon echoed the strategic rationale: ‘We cannot have economic prosperity without defence and security… you’ve actually got to follow it up with some actions and some commitment.’
The announcement follows a Defence Capability Plan targeting 2 percent of GDP for defence by 2032/33 and comes ahead of the full Budget on 22 May.
Read more over at RNZ and Reuters
Image: errolgc
