The US Department of State has approved the possible sale of up to four Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft and associated support to New Zealand.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that the potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program deal, which is valued at an estimated US$1.46 billion, would mean New Zealand could maintain its maritime surveillance aircraft capability following the retirement of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-3K2 Orion.
New Zealand’s Future Air Surveillance Capability project includes the replacement of the Orion by mid-2025. The project has started capability requirements definition and development of preliminary capability solution options for consideration by the NZ Government through an indicative business case.