New Zealand seeking P-8A Poseidon base builders ahead of first aircraft arrival in 2023

The New Zealand government has opened tenders for the construction of a new home for the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

The government expects that the new facility for the P-8A fleet at RNZAF Base Ohakea would be completed in three years.

“The government’s investment in this key part of the defense estate will ensure the Royal New Zealand Air Force can manage, maintain and task the new fleet of P-8A Poseidon aircraft efficiently, ahead of the first aircraft’s arrival in 2023,” said defense minister Ron Mark.

The request for proposals closes on September 12, 2019.

New Zealand announced the procurement of four P-8A submarine hunters and two flight simulators in July 2018. The NZ$2.34 billion project includes infrastructure with two hangars, an operations center, warehousing, training and maintenance facilities planned.

The Boeing-built Poseidons will replace the aging P-3K2 fleet currently in operation in New Zealand.