Wellington, New Zealand (AP) – new zealand The government announced a new military spending of 2.7 billion New Zealand dollars ($1.6 billion) on Thursday, along with seniors who released a package cited the rapidly growing global tensions and aggravating security environment to replace aging aircraft.
The purchase of military aircraft and helicopters was the first procurement announced in a government plan disclosed in April, doubled defense spending of 1% to 2% of GDP over the next decade. New Zealand’s military spending has driven out that of the large partners of five Eyes Intelligence sharing groups, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia. The strengthened budget reflects a shift in how it responds to strategic competition between major Pacific powers.
The procurement includes five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters replacing the existing marine fleet and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, allowing the Boeing 757 to retire more than 30 years ago, and already second hand items at the time of purchase. Helicopters accounted for more than $2 billion in spending, officials said.
Defence Minister Judith Collins said her government will “moves at a pace” to directly procure helicopters through the US foreign military sales program, rather than going for a wider bid. The Cabinet Minister was expected to consider the final business case in 2026, she told reporters in Wellington on Thursday.
It would take “a few years” to acquire the helicopter, as buying New Zealand means you’ll have to “wait in line,” Collins added. She denied that the choice to buy from the US was an attempt to correct trade imbalances targeting New Zealand goods, targeting 15% collection adjusted when it arrived in the US under the Trump administration. Global Tax Plan.
Aging Boeing aircraft have frequently broken down while transporting the New Zealand Prime Minister overseas in recent years, and are currently only able to fly short distances. The episode is in it Sticky Incident String It is emphasized Rundown state The country’s military hardware and the enduring difficulties in maintaining it due to lack of adoption.
