A fleet of four P-8A Poseidon aircraft have replaced 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
In 2018, Cabinet approved the acquisition of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to replace the ageing P-3K2 Orion aircraft – a $2.34 billion, once in a generation investment.
This Ministry continues to lead the delivery of this project. The first aircraft – NZ4801 – arrived in country on 12 December 2022, and the first fully NZDF-controlled flight took place the following month. By July 2023 all four aircraft had been delivered.
The fleet, based at RNZAF Base Ohakea, is used by No. 5 Squadron for airborne surveillance and maritime patrol, and operates from Te Whare Toroa. This purpose-built facility achieved practical completion in December 2024.
Work on the training facility is progressing. In April 2025 the simulator was delivered, and installation is underway. The facility will be completed and ready for use in 2026.
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