New Zealand tests first P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft from $1.6 billion order

The Royal New Zealand Air Force announced the successful test of the first of four

P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, which were ordered four years ago.

What is known

In 2018, New Zealand signed a contract forpurchase of four P-8A Poseidon. They will replace Lockheed Martin's P-3K2 Orion aircraft, which have been in service with the State Air Force since 1960.

The contract amount was $1.6 billion.Under an agreement between the New Zealand government and Boeing, all four P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2023. The first will finally enter service with the Air Force in December 2022. At the same time, the aircraft will be used by other departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Primary Industries, the Rescue Coordination Center, the Department of Civil Defense and Emergency Management.

Source: Bulgarian Military

Source: Defense Romania

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