Five Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus A321 XLR aircraft are set to respectively replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF’s) eight Kaman SH-2G(I) Seasprites and two Boeing 757 transport aircraft at a cost of NZ$2.7 billion (US$1.17 billion).

The new Airbus aircraft will cost NZ$700 million, while the Seahawks will run NZ$2 billion.

The RNZAF has operated the SH-2G(I) Seasprite since 2015. The new Seahawks, meanwhile, will provide a 600-mile range, approximately one-third greater than the Seasprite.

The two B757-200, which first flew in 1993, have been in RNZAF service since 2003 and were modified to 757-2K2 status in 2007 with the addition of an upper deck cargo door, strengthened floor, upgraded engines and improved avionics.

The Airbus A321XLR has a range of

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