New Zealand confirms replacement of entire fleet of SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopters.

The 2025 Defence Capability Plan, released by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence on April 7, outlines the forthcoming replacement of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite maritime helicopters, which are currently operated by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF. The plan acknowledges that the existing fleet—purchased second-hand and now approaching the end of its operational life—must be replaced to ensure the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) retains its ability to conduct maritime operations. The replacement program, which has an indicative cost of over NZ$2 billion (approximately USD 1.14 billion), may include both crewed helicopters and uncrewed aerial systems, alongside associated infrastructure investments.
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The SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite plays a central role in extending New Zealand's surveillance and combat capabilities of naval vessels, as well as supporting ship-to-shore transport of land forces. (Picture source: New Zealand MoD)

The SH-2G(I) Super Seasprites play a central role in extending the surveillance and combat capabilities of naval vessels, supporting non-combat tasks such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and enabling ship-to-shore transport of land forces. These helicopters are capable of operating from a variety of RNZN vessels, including Anzac-class frigates (HMNZS Te Kaha and Te Mana), Protector-class offshore patrol vessels (HMNZS Otago and Wellington), the multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury, and the fleet tanker HMNZS Aotearoa. Operated by RNZN aircrew and maintained by RNZAF personnel, the SH-2G(I) is a versatile platform equipped for a wide array of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, surveillance, search and rescue, utility operations, and training.

The SH-2G(I) variant, introduced into New Zealand service between 2014 and 2016, was procured following the 2013 decision to acquire ten aircraft from Kaman Aerospace. These helicopters were part of Australia’s canceled SH-2G(A) program, which had encountered cost overruns and persistent technical difficulties. New Zealand negotiated a NZ$242 million deal for the acquisition, which also included a full-motion flight simulator and the supply of Kongsberg AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles. The eight aircraft that entered service replaced the earlier SH-2G(NZ) models, which had been in operation since 2001 and were sold to the Peruvian Navy in 2014. The remaining two SH-2G(I) airframes were retained for spare parts.

These helicopters, built by Kaman Aerosystems, are powered by two General Electric T700 turbines rated at 1,600 hp each. Measuring 16 meters in overall length with a 13.5-meter rotor diameter, they have a maximum take-off weight of 6,441 kg, a range of approximately 275 nautical miles, and a maximum endurance of around two hours and 45 minutes. Capable of reaching airspeeds near 130 KCAS, they feature a standard crew of three: a pilot, an observer responsible for warfare and mission coordination, and a helicopter loadmaster managing utility operations. Armament options include Penguin anti-ship missiles, Mk 46 torpedoes, and a door-mounted MAG 58 machine gun.

The path to New Zealand’s current SH-2G(I) fleet began with the acquisition of four SH-2F Seasprites in the early 2000s as interim replacements for the aging Westland Wasps. These helicopters operated from Anzac-class frigates until the delivery of five new-build SH-2G(NZ) aircraft, tailored with unique avionics. Delivered between 2001 and 2003, the SH-2G(NZ) helicopters served until 2016 and were operated from a variety of RNZN vessels. They were equipped to fulfill a broad mission set and were later upgraded to carry the MAG 58 machine gun to address operational requirements identified in the field.

The SH-2G(I) variant, introduced into New Zealand service between 2014 and 2016, was procured following the 2013 decision to acquire ten aircraft from Kaman Aerospace. (Picture source: New Zealand MoD)

The SH-2G lineage traces its origins to the United States, where the type was developed in the 1980s as a modernized version of the SH-2F for use on naval vessels unable to accommodate larger helicopters like the SH-60B Seahawk. The SH-2G introduced more powerful engines, a reinforced upper fuselage, and improved avionics, including an Integrated Tactical Avionics System (ITAS) and digital automatic flight controls. Despite its eventual phaseout in the U.S. by 2001, the type continued to serve internationally, including with the Egyptian, Polish, and Peruvian navies.

The SH-2G(I)’s design emphasizes multi-role capability, supporting missions such as over-the-horizon surveillance using radar and FLIR systems, anti-ship strike with guided missiles, underwater warfare with torpedoes, as well as disaster response, medevac, and transport operations. Kaman’s offering included not just the helicopters but a comprehensive support package featuring simulators, training programs, technical documentation, and logistics support.

Since 2005, New Zealand’s naval aviation operations have been conducted by No. 6 Squadron RNZAF, based at RNZAF Base Auckland. Manned by Navy aircrew and maintained by Air Force personnel, the squadron supports surface and underwater warfare, logistics, search and rescue, and training missions for both aircrew and flight deck teams. The command structure sees operational control of embarked flights delegated through the Maritime Component Commander to the commanding officer of the ship.

Following an announcement in April 2023 confirming intentions to seek a replacement for the Seasprite fleet, the NZDF began reducing the number of operational aircraft from eight to five as part of a sustainment program. By 2024, the entire fleet was under consideration for full withdrawal in the context of broader defense budget constraints. The 2025 Defence Capability Plan has now confirmed the need for a new maritime helicopter fleet, reinforcing the NZDF’s requirement to retain versatile aviation capabilities at sea while considering future integration of both crewed and uncrewed systems.