New Zealand will buy US helicopters in a $1.6B military aircraft spending package

New Zealand has announced a NZ$2.7 billion ($1.6 billion) defense upgrade to replace aging aircraft, citing rising global tensions and growing competition in the Pacific. The package includes five U.S.-made MH‑60R Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR planes, replacing decades‑old Seasprites and Boeing 757s. The purchase is part of a plan to double defense spending from 1% to 2% of GDP over the next decade. Officials said the move reflects closer military ties with allies and the need to modernize forces once focused mainly on disaster relief, the Associated Press has reported. Defense Minister Judith Collins stressed that “distance no longer provides protection” for New Zealand.