Government announces $2.7 billion defence investment for planes and helicopters

Thursday 21 August 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 21 Aug 2025, 1:02pm

In this story Judith Collins, Airbus

Ministers have announced plans to replace the ageing Air Force Boeing 757 fleet with two extra-long range Airbus planes. The $2.7 billion investment also includes the preferred acquisition of five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters from the United States to replace existing marine helicopters.

How they headlined it

11:29am1pm

1. StuffThu 21 Aug 2025, 11:29am

   Ministers considering replacements for air force troop and VIP jets (opens in new tab)

2. The Press via The PostThu 21 Aug 2025, 1:00pm

   Government to replace Air Force 757s and buy Seahawk choppers from US (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldThu 21 Aug 2025, 1:02pm

   New planes, helicopters with hellfire missiles, ‘precision kill weapon system’ on investment list (opens in new tab)