The first Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopter for the Royal New Zealand Navy has arrived by ship in Auckland, as this image Tweeted on Thursday by the NZ Chief of Navy shows.
New Zealand is acquiring 10 Super Seasprites, designated SH-2G(I) – I for International – to replace its five older SH-2Gs currently in service (and which in turn have been sold to Peru). Eight will be used operationally, while two will be broken down for spare parts.
The aircraft were originally built on order for the Royal Australian Navy as the SH-2G(A), before that controversial contract was cancelled in 2008.