NZ buys a fleet of aircraft online with Australia

New Zealand has agreed to replace $ 2 billion NZ for its aging surveillance aircraft, bringing its fleet closer to Australia and emphasizing greater cooperation.

Defense Minister Mark Mark confirmed on Monday six Lockheed P-3K2 Orions aircraft with four Poseidon Boeing P-8A aircraft

The new aircraft would provide "a maritime patrol capability with range and capability". endurance needed to help our partners in the region, "told reporters in Wellington.

The change will cost $ N2.35 billion ($ A2.18 billion) and the Poseidons will be delivered and begin operations starting in 2023.

Australia is also committed to buying 15 planes, which are capable of not Just find, but hunt, submarines.

Analysts say the purchase reflects New Zealand's willingness to stay in touch with its traditional allies and show its seriousness about military deployments in the region. A defense capability that was good for our alliance with Australia … then the P-8 would be one of your top picks, "said Robert Ayson, professor of strategic studies at Victoria University of Wellington, at AAP

. Earlier reports suggested that New Zealand was established when Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull met his counterpart Jacinda Ardern last year

. You can, of course, have interoperability without having to use the same platform, but that helps, "said Euan Graham, Senior Marine Safety Expert and Marine Safety Expert

.

The New Zealand government last week issued its long-term defense outlook, signaling for the first time the concerns over China's activities in the Pacific, and Dr. Graham "It is true that the China is really the only scenario in which these high-end maritime warfare capabilities [of the P-8A] make sense, "he said.

] The final decision was postponed to Monday due to a change of government last year, the new defense minister having stated that he wanted to monitor the work of the government. previous administration before proceeding