New Zealand tested the first P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft from a $1.6 billion order

The Royal New Zealand Air Force announced the successful testing of the first of four P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft that were ordered four years ago.

What we know

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

According to the 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 one will finally enter into service of the Air Force in December 2022. At the same time, the aircrafts will be used by other agencies, 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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