The US Department of State approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to New Zealand for MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and related equipment worth an estimated $1.5 billion. The approval also includes a possible sale of MK 54 Torpedoes valued at $69 million [1, 2].
The helicopters are produced by Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky unit, a key US defense contractor [1]. The State Department said the sale will enhance New Zealand’s ability to address current and future warfare threats and improve security for critical infrastructure. "The proposed sale will improve New Zealand’s capability to meet current and future warfare threats by providing greater security for its critical infrastructure," the department said [1, 2].
This FMS is part of New Zealand’s broader defense spending increase. New Zealand has committed to boosting defense spending by NZ$9 billion over four years under its 2025 plan, aiming to nearly double military funding to 2% of GDP within eight years [1]. In May 2026, the government allocated NZ$1.58 billion to upgrade its forces as a step in this plan [1].
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon underscored the strategic context. "We’ve moved from a benign environment to a much more globally strategically competitive environment. It’s entirely appropriate that we double our defence spending," he said on June 6, shortly after the approval statement [1]. Luxon noted New Zealand’s 30 years of underinvestment justified the spending increase.
These acquisitions mark a significant modernization of New Zealand's maritime patrol and anti-submarine capabilities amid rising regional security challenges. The sale approval came officially on June 5, 2026, when the State Department released its statement on the FMS offer [1, 2].
Next steps include final negotiations and contract signings to complete the sale. New Zealand’s defense upgrades will continue to roll out in stages aligned with the broader NZ$9 billion funding plan through 2029 [1].
