RNZAF NH90 Helicopters Complete Record-Breaking Flight from Australia to New Zealand via Norfolk Island

Historic Flight Concludes in New Zealand

Two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopters have successfully completed a historic, record-breaking flight from Australia to New Zealand, landing safely on September 30, 2025. The two-day journey saw the aircraft traverse a significant expanse of ocean, including a crucial stop at Norfolk Island, marking a new milestone for the RNZAF's rotary-wing capabilities.

The helicopters, from No. 3 Squadron, departed from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, near Brisbane, and concluded their voyage at RNZAF Base Ohakea, after initially arriving at RNZAF Base Auckland.

Journey Details and Record Achievement

The extensive flight covered an impressive distance of approximately 1,765 miles (2,840 kilometres or 1,534 nautical miles) over water. Each NH90 helicopter was equipped with two 1,100lb external fuel tanks to facilitate the long-range transit. The longest single leg of the journey, between Norfolk Island and RNZAF Base Auckland, spanned 660 miles (573 nautical miles) and took around four and a half hours to complete.

This achievement surpasses the RNZAF NH90s' previous over-water record of 521 miles (453 nautical miles), which was set earlier in September 2025 during a flight across the Coral Sea Basin from Australia to Papua New Guinea.

Strategic Importance and Crew Confidence

The successful completion of this flight underscores the strategic utility and operational readiness of the RNZAF's NH90 fleet. Air Commodore Andy Scott, New Zealand's air component commander, highlighted the importance of such missions, stating, 'These types of flights give our crews confidence in the system' and demonstrate the aircraft's 'ability for it to self-deploy over a vast area.'

Wing Commander Chris Ross, Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron, emphasized the valuable long-distance flying skills gained by the crews. Squadron Leader Lachie Johnston, the NH90 flight commander, noted that while the capability for such flights was approved in 2023, the opportunity had only recently arisen. He added, 'It's not unheard of for helicopters to fly long trips, but this is a unique capability in the context of doing such long legs over large bodies of water.'

NH90 Fleet Background

The NH90 helicopters were selected by New Zealand defense leaders in 2005 to replace the aging UH-1 Iroquois fleet. Eight NH90 aircraft have been in service since 2015, with a ninth serving as an additional asset. The fleet's capabilities have been further enhanced through recent upgrades, including advanced software and communication systems, completed locally at RNZAF Base Ohakea.