U.S. State Department Approves $1.5 Billion Seahawk Helicopter Sale to New Zealand
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $1.5 billion sale of five Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to New Zealand. This decision is part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and follows New Zealand's Ministry of Defence's 2025 determination that the Seahawk is the preferred option to replace its current maritime helicopter fleet. The New Zealand Defence Force currently operates five Kaman Super Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters. The Seahawk package includes a comprehensive array of weaponry and equipment, such as 225 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) missiles, 65 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles, and various machine guns and launchers. The helicopters will also be equipped with advanced avionics and sonar systems. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems in Owego, New York, is the principal contractor for this sale. 
