A fleet of four P-8A Poseidon aircraft have been acquired to replace the former P-3K2 Orion Maritime Patrol fleet. The project is also delivering a flight training simulator, infrastructure and other elements to support the capability.
P-8A Poseidons
On 2 July 2018, Cabinet approved the acquisition of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to replace the aging P-3K2 Orion aircraft – a $2.34 billion, once in a generation investment.
The first aircraft – NZ4801 – arrived in country on 12 December 2022, and the first fully NZDF-controlled flight took place the following month. The second and third aircraft arrived at RNZAF Base Ohakea on 18 March and 19 May 2023 respectively. The final aircraft arrived on 17 July 2023.
The four aircraft are based at RNZAF Base Ohakea and are used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF's) 5 Squadron.
A planned, phased process is being used to release the capability. In 2023, this included a focus on Interim Operational Release of the Search and Rescue (SAR) capability. SAR training was undertaken in March with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at RAAF Base Edinburgh, and operational trials were conducted out of Nadi, Fiji in early April.
The build of Te Whare Toroa (the new home for the RNZAF’s No. 5 Squadron and the P-8A Poseidon aircraft) continues to take shape at RNZAF Base Ohakea. Building this infrastructure is an integral part of the wider Air Surveillance Maritime Patrol (ASMP) project.
Watch progress
Watch progress
Government approvals
Government approvals
The Strategic Defence Policy Statement 2018, launched in July that year, provided a basis for the P-8A proposal to be considered against the Government's priorities and policy settings. The Statement emphasised the importance of New Zealand's maritime domain, and that maritime security is fundamental to national security.
On 2 July 2018 Cabinet approved acquisition of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to replace the six aging P-3K2 Orion aircraft. Of the available options, the P-8A Poseidon was assessed to be the lowest cost and lowest risk option for New Zealand.
The P-8A Poseidon is a key component of meeting obligations in the Pacific and our commitments to monitor and respond to events in the Southern Ocean. It will allow for:
- Participation in international task groups
- Environmental monitoring
- Search and rescue
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
- Protection of the Southern Ocean
The aircraft will provide service to other government departments including the Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Customs Service, the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, The Rescue Coordination Centre and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This is a once in a generation purchase, with the aircraft expected to be in service for at least 30 years.
Contracts
Four P-8A Poseidon aircraft are being acquired through a direct source procurement through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. New Zealand regularly purchases defence equipment through this process, which is well-developed and understood. The FMS procurement is managed by the United States Government contract and management entities on New Zealand's behalf.
Specs
Specs
P-8A Poseidon specifications
Wingspan: 123.6 ft (37.64 m)
Length: 129.5 ft (39.47 m)
Height: 42.1 ft (12.83 m)
Propulsion: Two CFM56-7B engines 27,300 lbs thrust
Speed: 490 kts (902km/h)
Range: 1,200 nm with 4 hours on station
Ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,496 m)
Crew: 9
News
Touch down
First P-8A touches down in New Zealand
Fourth P-8A lands
Fourth and final P-8A lands in New Zealand
Te Whare Toroa
Raising the roof at Te Whare Toroa