New Zealand Considers Super Seasprite Helicopters Requirement for Navy

The New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) is Undertaking a final review of SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters That Were Previously rejected by the Australian government, in Support of a formal bid for the aircraft.

Des Ashton, deputy secretary of Defense (Acquisition) in the MoD, Told IHS Jane's that the assessment, a final assessment of the helicopters' airworthiness, was under way on 31 January before the submission of a proposal to government to provide the helicopters.

"We are looking at that [the purchase of the helicopters] very Actively, "he said. "We have a gateway review going on right now - today - and basically we are ... Determining Whether we can put a viable proposal through to our government." Ashton added: "We are looking at this [helicopter] as the preferred option for a naval helicopter capability Retaining [Within The Royal New Zealand Navy]."




The potential purchase Could be worth up to about USD200 one million and includes 11 helicopters, a flight simulator, training devices, spares, and associated equipment.

New Zealand's interest in the Super Seasprites Emerged in early 2012 and was Followed by year initial gateway review of the aircraft, évaluer Risks associated with the Any bid, Which was Undertaken by New Zealand's State Services Commission, Which Provides oversight of government procurement.