Boeing delivers its first P-8A to New Zealand
The first of four P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft under New Zealand Aircraft. © Boeing
New Zealand has received (December 7, 2022) its first four P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft through a ceremony at the Aviation Museum. The other three are in an advanced stage of production and will be delivered in 2023.
The four P-8A Poseidons are intended to replace New Zealand’s existing fleet of six P-3K2 Orion aircraft and will be based at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakia. » As a maritime nation, delivery of the P-8A will enable New Zealand to maintain a patrol and response capability that will protect and support law enforcement in our exclusive economic zone and Southern Ocean. said Sarah Minson, Acting Deputy Minister for Capabilities Delivery, New Zealand Ministry of Defence. ” The P-8A will also assist our neighbors in the South Pacific and provide long-range search and rescue capabilities.”
This achievement comes four years after the New Zealand government reached an agreement with the US Navy for the P-8A.
New Zealand joins eight other global customers, including neighboring Australia, who have selected or are already operating the P-8 and are benefiting greatly from its maritime surveillance and long-range warfare capabilities. said Philip John, vice president and program director, P-8 Programs.
Boeing Defense Australia will provide operational support services to the New Zealand fleet with support from the international P-8 programme.
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