The U.S. Department of State has determined it will approve a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of New Zealand for five MH-60R Multi-Mission Seahawk helicopters and related equipment, a deal valued at $1.5 billion, the department said in a statement posted on its website.
Officials described the package as intended to bolster New Zealand’s capacity to address present and emerging warfare threats and to provide greater protection for critical infrastructure. The State Department added that the country would use the upgraded capability to reinforce its homeland defence.
The Seahawk helicopters are produced by Sikorsky, a unit of Lockheed Martin. The proposed sale arrives as New Zealand’s centre-right government pursues an expansive defence spending program that was announced in 2025. That plan calls for a NZ$9 billion increase in defence outlays over four years - equivalent to about $5 billion - and aims to nearly double defence spending to 2% of gross domestic product within eight years.
Wellington has already begun allocating new funds for the defence upgrade. Last month the government set aside NZ$1.58 billion, or approximately $916 million, in additional defence funding as part of its efforts to modernise and expand the island nation’s military forces.
The announcement noted broader diplomatic and policy context. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has been urging allies in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region to increase their defence budgets. New Zealand, which is a close ally of neighbouring Australia, has been deploying more frequently across East Asia in support of Western militaries and partner states amid concerns about the region’s shifting military balance.
The State Department said the sale of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and associated systems will improve New Zealand’s ability to meet current and future threats and to secure critical infrastructure, while strengthening homeland defence capabilities.
Currency conversion in the statement followed the posted rate of $1 equaling 1.7253 New Zealand dollars.
Contextual note - The sale, as described by the State Department, is a proposed Foreign Military Sale and reflects an official determination to approve the potential transaction. Additional steps and agreements would follow to finalise delivery, equipment details, and accompanying support arrangements.