Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the first of four P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to New Zealand in a ceremony at the Museum of Flight on Wednesday.
The New Zealand Government entered into an agreement with the U.S. Navy for the P-8A aircraft in July 2018.
“As a maritime nation, delivery of the P-8A will ensure New Zealand maintains a patrol and response capability that will protect and support law enforcement in our Exclusive Economic Zone and the Southern Ocean,” Sarah Minson, acting Deputy Secretary of Capability Delivery, New Zealand Ministry of Defense, said in a statement.
The P-8 is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. It has been used for maritime, littoral, and humanitarian missions and operations worldwide. Boing said the global operating P-8 fleet has, to date, amassed more than 450,000 mishap-free flight hours.
As for the three-remaining aircraft, Boeing said they are all in the advanced stages of production and will be delivered in 2023. They will replace New Zealand’s fleet of six P-3K2 Orions and will be based at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea.
Minson also said the new aircraft would allow New Zealand to assist its neighboring countries in the South Pacific, and they would also use them for long-range search and rescue capabilities.
“The unmatched, multi-mission maritime patrol capabilities of the P-8 will provide New Zealand the ability to extend their reach into the Pacific and beyond,” said Philip June, vice president, and program manager for the P-8 Programs.
Boeing Defense Australia will also provide sustainment services for the new fleet with the support of the P-8 International Program.
“New Zealand joins eight global customers, including nearby Australia, that have selected or already operate the P-8 and benefit greatly from its long-range maritime surveillance and warfare capabilities,” June said.
