Defence
Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman says the government has approved the purchase
of an upgraded and expanded Seasprite helicopter fleet for the New Zealand
Defence Force. A total of eight Seasprites (plus two spare airframes)
will be purchased from the United States company Kaman Aerospace in
a $242 million dollar deal, which includes a training simulator, missiles,
and additional components.
“The Defence Force currently has five Seasprites which have been
in service since the late1990s and are due for replacement,” said
Dr Coleman.
“This package from Kaman Aerospace will provide the Navy with
an upgraded variant, the Seasprite SH-2G(I), and increase the fleet
from five to eight helicopters. It will allow helicopters to be embarked
on the two ANZAC-class frigates (TE MANA and TE KAHA) as well as the
offshore patrol vessels and the multi-role ship HMNZS CANTERBURY,”
he said. |
“These
helicopters come with modernised sensor, weapons and flight control
systems and will be a major boost to our maritime surveillance and search
capability. The helicopters will also ensure that our naval fleet is
able to operate at its full potential,” said Dr Coleman.
The replacement helicopters were originally built for the Australian
Defence Force. In 2009 the Australian government elected to cancel the
contract and not to introduce them into service after questions about
their suitability to meet Australia’s requirements.
“The New Zealand Defence Force and Ministry of Defence officials
are acutely aware that the Australian government decided not to fully
introduce these aircraft into service after concerns about a range of
technical issues,” said Dr Coleman.
“As a consequence the New Zealand Ministry of Defence has invested
considerable resources into examining all aspects of this project over
the last two years. This included commissioning an independent study
by Marinvent Corporation of Canada.”
“Ministry of Defence officials have advised the government this
aircraft will prove a very capable purchase, meet all of the New Zealand
Defence Force’s requirements, and can be introduced into service.”
“Based on this advice and after looking at other replacement options
the government approved this project. The replacement Seasprites will
have a multiplier effect on the capability of the Navy and what’s
more the price is very good with alternative helicopter replacements
costing three times the amount,” said Dr Coleman. |
