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U.S. Approves Possible Sale of Five MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters to New Zealand

The State Department's determination advances a $1.5 billion foreign military sale into processing and signals U.S. backing for Wellington's 2025 defence buildup.

An MH-60R Seahawk of The Swamp Foxes HSM-74 approaches the flight-deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) aircraft carrier during evening flight-operation in Southern Red Sea, Middle East, February 12, 2024. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed/File Photo
An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 prepares to land on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in the Arabian Sea, March 20, 2019. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

Overview

  • The U.S. Department of State has issued a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale for five MH-60R multi‑mission Seahawk helicopters and related support, with an estimated value of $1.5 billion, which is a policy step not a final delivery.
  • The approved package covers sensors, weapons, training and logistics support and a separate State Department determination also covers 20 MK 54 lightweight torpedoes and related spares and support valued at about $69 million.
  • The helicopters are built by Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin, and the aircraft bring antisubmarine, surface‑warfare and maritime domain‑awareness capabilities to New Zealand's forces.
  • Wellington's request fits into a 2025 defence plan that added NZ$9 billion over four years and follows a recent NZ$1.58 billion boost in defence funding to upgrade the nation's forces.
  • Next steps include formal U.S. Congressional notification and contracting before deliveries, and the move is likely to deepen U.S. industrial ties while supporting New Zealand's plans to expand deployments in East Asia in response to China's military rise.