Royal New Zealand Air Force

The New Zealand Air Force, also known as the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), is the air arm of the New Zealand Defense Force. Established in 1923, it is one of the oldest independent air forces in the world. Initially created to support the Army and Navy, the RNZAF played a vital role during World War II, participating in numerous operations across the Pacific, Europe, and North Africa. Over the years, the RNZAF has operated a variety of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transports, and helicopters. It has also been involved in peacekeeping missions, disaster relief efforts, and search and rescue operations. The RNZAF has a modest fleet size, with modernization efforts focusing on acquiring new capabilities to meet operational requirements. It continues to actively participate in joint training exercises and international operations while maintaining close ties with Australia, the United States, and other allied nations.

Key facts

Official Name	Royal New Zealand Air Force
Country	🇳🇿 New Zealand
World rank	#95
Active aircrafts	45 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	9
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Helicopters	22
Training	13
Transport	7
Special missions	3

Aircrafts most used by New Zealand air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
T-6 Texan II	11	American turboprop trainer, widely deployed worldwide since the late 20th century for pilot instructing and light attack roles.
SH-2 Seasprite	9	American multi-purpose helicopter, known for major deployments during the Vietnam and Falklands Wars, particularly in anti-submarine warfare roles.
NH90	8	European multinational medium-sized military helicopter, known for deployment in various peace-keeping and combat missions since the 1990s.
AW109	5	Italian multipurpose helicopter, notable for its use in law enforcement, air ambulance and military roles since the late 1970s.
C-130 Hercules	5	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
P-3 Orion	3	American maritime patrol aircraft, actively used in the Cold War, notable for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance operations.
757	2	American narrow-body jet airliner, commercially operational since the 1980s, extensively deployed for transcontinental and transatlantic routes.
King Air 90	2	American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
737	0	American twin-engine narrow-body jet airliner, popularly deployed for commercial aviation since the late 1960s.

Full inventory in 2024