New Zealand has announced a significant defense investment of NZ$2.7 billion ($1.6 billion) to acquire five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking a crucial step in modernizing its aging defense fleet. This decision, influenced by a deteriorating security environment and escalating global tensions, aligns with their plan to nearly double defense spending to 2% of GDP over the next eight years. Defence Minister Judith Collins emphasized the urgency of fostering a combat-capable and interoperable fleet, while Foreign Minister Winston Peters highlighted the increasing threats, particularly from China, reinforcing the need for enhanced national security measures.