New Zealand receives first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft

 

The first P=8A Poseidon MPA for the RNZAF during acceptance ceremony on 07 December 2022. Photo c/o Boeing.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) received its first P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from American aviation giant Boeing.

The aircraft was formally received by the RNZAF during ceremonies held on 07 December 2022 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. 

The aircraft arrived in Ohakea Air Force base in Manawatii, New Zealand on 13 December 2022, and is expected to start operations by January 2023.

New Zealand signed up to acquire four P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to replace the six P-3K2 Orion, which have been in service since the 1960s.

Of the six, three aircraft have already been retired while the last three are scheduled to be retired from service by the end of January 2023.

The P-8A Poseidon was evaluated to be the lowest cost and lowest risk option for New Zealand after competing with several other maritime patrol aircraft models, and will be used for meeting the country's commitment and obligations in the Pacific region.

The aircraft will conduct maritime patrol and be involved in protecting New Zealand's interest in the Southern Pacific, conduct Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Environmental Monitoring, and participation in international task groups.

While the aircraft is operated by the RNZAF, it will also be supporting other government departments including the Ministry of Primary Industries, New Zealand Customs Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Rescue Coordination Centre, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The remaining three aircraft will be delivered to the RNZAF by May 2023.




[1] Naval News
[2] Royal New Zealand Air Force
[3] Radio New Zealand