24 June 2025
HMAS Canberra’s embarked aviation personnel made the most of a recent visit to Wellington, New Zealand, working with their Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) counterparts to share knowledge and expertise about Australia’s MH-60R Romeo helicopters and New Zealand’s NH90.
With NZ currently looking to replace its existing fleet, the MH-60R is among the contenders for the replacement as described under New Zealand’s landmark Defence Capability Plan 2025.
The Romeos enjoy advantages in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities, and a strong capability for logistics support and search and rescue, while the two aircraft share some components.
The aviation crew carried out rigorous flight deck and flying stations training drills during passage to NZ, and were keen to show their wares in-country.
The Canberra aviation team flew the MH-60R from Wellington to Auckland, showcasing its capabilities at the RNZN base.
The Australia and NZ Navy-to-Navy relationship has never been closer, with the countries sharing common values and culture, and a robust shared commitment to each other’s maritime security.
'We liaised with our NZ counterparts, regarding the Romeo capabilities and sharing our knowledge.'
“During our transit from Wellington to Auckland we were fortunate to observe the spectacular New Zealand scenery, the mountains and waterfalls, it was stunning,” Lieutenant Commander Matthew Urquhart, Flight Commander 808 Squadron, said.
“On arrival in Auckland we liaised with our NZ counterparts, regarding the Romeo capabilities and sharing our knowledge.”
Australia was the first foreign country to sign up for the MH-60R from the United States under Project Air 9000, Phase 8 in 2011.
Maintaining and enhancing interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region will be mutually beneficial as all work together towards strengthening cooperation.
For Australia and New Zealand, this means becoming an increasingly integrated ‘Anzac’ force.
