New Zealand receives Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopter
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) officially accepted ownership of its new Seasprite SH-2G(I) helicopters from Kaman Aerospace at a ceremony on 6 March.
The ceremony took place at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base in Auckland, which has received three new Seasprites so far. The remaining five aircraft will be delivered by September 2015.
New Zealand opted to purchase the helicopters from Kaman in 2013 following the failed Australian programme. The new SH-2G(I) will replace the SH-2G helicopters currently in use.
Rear Admiral Jack Steer, Chief of Navy, said: 'The Seasprites perform a vital function for the navy, and enhance the roles of our ships at sea by undertaking a range of tasks including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, counter-terrorism and utility lift. We have operated Seasprites since the 1990s and they have proven to be a great capability for us.'
Steer added: 'We deployed a Seasprite on HMNZS Te Mana to the Gulf of Aden in 2014 in support of the multi-national Combined Task Force undertaking anti-piracy activities in the region. The Seasprite flew over 120 hours and was used for surveillance and reconnaissance, adding substantial value to the operation. We currently have a Seasprite embarked on HMNZS Te Kaha, who is on operational deployment until May and the helicopter is an integral part of this mission.'
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