Aircraft
First Poseidon Patroller Handed Over to New Zealand
The four P-8As on order will replace the long-serving Lockheed Orions of No. 5 Squadron.
Boeing's P-8A maritime patrol aircraft for New Zealand
The RNZAF’s first P-8A maritime patrol aircraft carries the albatross badge of No. 5 Squadron on its fin. (Photo: Boeing)

New Zealand has taken delivery of its first Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The jet was handed over in a ceremony at Boeing’s Museum of Flight in Seattle on December 7.

“As a maritime nation, delivery of the P-8A will ensure New Zealand maintains a patrol and response capability that will protect and support law enforcement in our Exclusive Economic Zone and Southern Ocean,” said Sarah Minson, acting deputy secretary of capability delivery for New Zealand's Ministry of Defence. “The P-8A will also assist our South Pacific neighbors and deliver long-range search and rescue capability.”