New Zealand to Purchase Five MH-60R Seahawk Anti-Submarine Helicopters for $1.5 Billion

The United States has approved a potential sale of five MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission maritime helicopters to New Zealand.

This was reported by the US Department of State.

The $1.5 billion deal covers both the helicopters themselves and related equipment.

The procurement package includes not only the supply of equipment manufactured by Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division, but also a wide range of weapons, sensors, and auxiliary equipment.

Specifically, New Zealand will receive low-frequency airborne sonar, magnetic anomaly detection systems, Link 16 tactical data links, APS-153(V) radars, acoustic buoys, as well as AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and APKWS II guided rockets.

Additionally, the US Department of State has approved the potential sale to New Zealand of 20 Mk 54 Mod 0 lightweight anti-submarine torpedoes and related equipment valued at $69 million.

The new helicopters will replace SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopters, which the Royal New Zealand Navy purchased from Australia in 2014.

MH-60Rs will significantly expand fleet’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare, maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, and engaging surface targets. This is a timely addition for New Zealand amid the aging of the country’s aircraft fleet.

As of 2026, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters are in service or on order in the following countries: the United States, which is the largest operator with over 350 aircraft; Australia; India; Denmark; Greece; Saudi Arabia; South Korea; Norway; and Spain.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that Belgium had begun negotiations with the United States regarding the purchase of CH-53K King Stallion heavy transport helicopters and MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters.

According to information presented at the International Military Helicopter Conference (IMH) 2026, the MH-60R Seahawk is being offered to Belgium as a replacement for its fleet of NH90 helicopters. The primary purpose of these aircraft in the future will be search and rescue operations and maritime patrols.

As for CH-53K heavy helicopters, they are intended to meet Belgium’s needs for the rapid deployment of heavy artillery and equipment throughout Europe.