New Hercules, NH90 upgrades, and Aotearoa en route

As the Defence Minister announces confirmation of the purchase of five new C-130J Super Hercules and approval of $21 million upgrade for NH90 systems, Aotearoa departs South Korea bound for NZ.

Defence Minister Ron Mark announced on 5th June that government had confirmed the purchase of five Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft to replace the existing fleet,

“Along with the new fleet, the $1.521 billion project will deliver a full mission flight simulator and other supporting infrastructure.

“This decision ensures tactical airlift will remain available to undertake operations in New Zealand’s immediate region, as well as support our interests in Antarctica, often in support of other government agencies.

“The new aircraft will carry a greater payload, is faster and can travel further than the current Hercules aircraft. “Each aircraft will also be fitted with additional specialist capabilities, including a wide bandwidth, high speed satellite communications system and an electro-optical/infra-red camera.

The aircraft and simulator are being acquired through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales process as part of a package that includes aircrew and maintainer training.

“As with our decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon fleet through the Foreign Military Sales process, this has reduced costs and allows collaboration with other nations on developments and system upgrades that will be necessary over the life of the aircraft,” said the minister.

RNZAF NH90 helicopter.

Photo courtesy of New Zealand Defence Force

“The first of the new Hercules will be delivered in 2024, with the full fleet operating from 2025, allowing for a phased retirement of the current fleet.

“The flight simulator will help us to build and maintain crew skills, and allow more demanding training scenarios to be attempted without risk to personnel, and while preserving flight hours for operational tasks.”

In addition, the Government has also approved $21 million to upgrade systems in the Air Force NH90 helicopters to comply with regulatory and operational requirements.

“This investment, building on the first tranche announced last year, will ensure that the New Zealand Defence Force’s aircraft are fitted with updated communication, navigation, air traffic management and identification systems,” Ron Mark said.

“The upgrade of the NH90 will be undertaken in cooperation with a number of other nations who operate these helicopters including Australia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, and Norway.

“This will provide us with an opportunity to share development costs amongst all participating nations, which means this approach is less expensive and risky than pursuing a bespoke solution.

“Without upgrading these systems the NZDF aircraft may be restricted in operations in both controlled civil and military airspace,” said the minister. “Funding for this project will be provided for from NZDF baselines.”

Also in June, and two and a half years since the steel for her construction was first cut, the Royal New Zealand Navy’s newest and largest-ever vessel, Aotearoa, has sailed out of Ulsan, South Korea bound for New Zealand.

A purpose-built, technologically enhanced vessel, Aotearoa is touted to add significant value to the Navy’s combat operations, humanitarian relief functions, operational and training support and resupply missions in conjunction with government agency partners.

Aotearoa is due to arrive in New Zealand later in June.