US State Department approves the possible sale of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon to New Zealand

The US State Department has approved the possible sale of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to New Zealand.

The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to New Zealand for P-8A aircraft and associated support. The estimated cost is $1.46 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 27, 2017.

The DSCA said the New Zealand Government intended to use the planes to replace its retiring P-3 maritime patrol fleet.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

“This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security of the United States by strengthening the security of a major Non-NATO ally which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability within the region,” the DSCA said.

According to the Boeing website the planes are designed for “long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions”.

The P-8 conducts anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and shipping interdiction, along with an early warning self protection (EWSP) ability, otherwise known as electronic support measures (ESM). This involves carrying torpedoes, depth charges, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It is able to drop and monitor sonobuoys.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

Roshel’s new armored vehicles enter full production

Roshel Defence, a prominent name in the smart armored vehicle industry, has unveiled two new models now entering full production: the Senator Medical Evacuation...