RNZAF renewal

The month of May 2011 marked an giant leap forward in technology and capability for the RNZAF as it welcomed into Operational Testing & Evaluation the first of the newly upgraded P-3K2 Orions for No.5 Squadron, and the new AgustaWestland A109-LUH for No.3 Squadron.

P-3K2

On the 2nd of May a ceremony was held at Whenuapai Airbase for the return of the first prototype P-3K2 Orion. During 2001, The Maritime Patrol Review had set out to define a co-ordinated ‘Whole of Government’ approach to getting the most out of the venerable P-3 airframes, combining the needs of many government agencies into a requirement that led to the P-3K2 upgrade. With the fourth largest EEZ in the world (1.3 million square nautical miles) and a maritime area of interest now covering over a 12th of the world’s ocean surface, the maritime patrol mission remains one the most important roles fulfilled by the RNZAF. The strategic situation in the South Pacific has, however, changed considerably over the years, resulting in No.5 squadrons role as a Maritime Patrol Force morphing into a much broader role as an Airborne Surveillance and Response Force.