New Zealand’s Defence Force (NZDF) has started the construction of a P-8A Poseidon aircraft training simulator at Ōhakea base on the North Island.
The platform is part of the “Te Whare Toroa” building project to support the preparation and upskilling of current and future maritime surveillance and reconnaissance crews for deployments in the modern airspace.
The initiative’s commencement was marked by the delivery of an Antonov AN-124 Ruslan airlifter, parts of which will be used for the life-sized flight simulator at the purpose-built facility.
In addition to the realistic training platform, the center will offer a “range” of equipment for pilots and maintainers of the military’s P-8A fleet, particularly teams from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 5 Squadron.
The overall Te Whare Toroa site is scheduled to open in 2026.
‘Critical Tool’
Sarah Minson, deputy capability delivery secretary of New Zealand’s defense agency, highlighted that the entire training hub will be a “critical tool” for the armed forces’ P-8A-related missions.
“Simulation training tools provide a safe and secure space for crew to learn and maintain skills on aircraft systems, reducing risk as well as the number of hours required for flight training,” Minson explained. “They also increase the availability of aircraft for NZDF operations.”
“The full-motion P-8A Poseidon flight simulator is designed to look and move like a real cockpit, and will allow crew to train for a range of scenarios in a realistic environment, from emergency situations to poor weather conditions.”
Adopting Poseidon
Wellington’s Te Whare Toroa building is being completed in partnership with Boeing, which delivered the NZDF’s new P-8A fleet between 2022 and 2023.
In addition to the planes, the government contracted the aerospace company to supply mission systems, spare parts, and ground support equipment.
The value of the program amounts to 2.3 billion New Zealand dollars ($1.3 billion). Through this effort, four Poseidons are now commissioned under the military.
