New Zealand has opened a 20,000-square-meter facility at RNZAF Base Ohakea dedicated to the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft fleet.
The P-8A aircraft used by the U.S. Navy and other international operators is a militarized version of the Boeing 737 Next Generation airliner. It is designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
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Maintenance and Mission Support
Te Whare Toroa, inaugurated during a ceremony attended by Defense Minister Judith Collins, is part of a $2.34 billion project to equip the New Zealand Defence Force with four new P-8As. The complex features two hangars for maintenance and support, a spare parts warehouse, a flight simulator, and a mission support center.
Secretary of Defence Brook Barrington shared that this new site will enhance national resilience. The facility has 180 percent more seismic capacity than a standard city office building and is equipped with backup power supplies.
Growing Defense Investment
Collins emphasized that the state-of-the-art facility reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that military personnel are equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure for interoperability and combat readiness.
“There will be more projects like this as the government’s Defence Capability Plan … is implemented,” the minister noted. “The project has also provided significant employment and upskilling opportunities for the local workforce.”
Wellington has been investing in improving the nation’s defense equipment and capabilities. In April, Collins announced a $6.6 billion package to modernize the NZDF over the next four years.