New Zealand’s First Boeing P-8A Poseidon Rolls Out of Paint Shop

The first P-8A Poseidon for New Zealand, sporting the colours of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). One of the eight countries to purchase the P-8 as their new multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft is New Zealand. According to Sheena Vince Cruz, programme manager for the Boeing P-8 Asia-Pacific area, “the aircraft incorporates the distinctive Kiwi roundel, a native bird to New Zealand.” Despite being incapable of flight, the Kiwi bird is identifiable and will continue to “fly” as an emblem on the P-8A for decades to come.

The New Zealand Government purchased four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft that will eventually replace the current fleet of six aging P-3K2 Orion aircraft. The P-8As will provide advanced capabilities to maintain situational awareness in neighboring waters on and below the surface of the ocean .The mission systems will be installed after the first flight, which is anticipated for the upcoming weeks. The delivery of the aircraft to the New Zealand Ministry of Defense is scheduled for later this year.

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