U.S. has approved a Foreign Military Sale of Boeing P-8A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to New Zealand.
U.S. has approved a Foreign Military Sale of Boeing P-8A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft to New Zealand.
New Zealand has requested the potential sale of up to four P-8A Patrol Aircraft along with associated support equipment and services at a cost of $1.46 billion.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying U.S. Congress of this possible sale on April 27, 2017.
The aircraft will replace the six Lockheed Martin P-3K2 Orion Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) operated by Royal New Zealand Air Force.
The sale will strengthen collective defense and enhance New Zealand’s regional and global allied contributions.
New Zealand has procured and operated U.S. produced P-3 MSA for over 40 years, providing critical capabilities to NATO and coalition maritime operations.
The RNZAF took delivery of five P-3B Orions in 1966. In 1985 an ex-RAAF(Australia) P-3B was purchased. All six Orions were upgraded (avionics and radio systems) under Project RIGEL in the early 1980s.
The Boeing P-8A is advanced multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft based on a Boeing 737 commercial passenger jet platform. The aircraft entered service with U.S. Navy in 2013, and is also operated by Australia.
