The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has commenced construction of a state-of-the-art P-8A Poseidon aircraft training simulator at the Ōhakea base on the North Island. This innovative platform is part of the broader “Te Whare Toroa” project, aimed at enhancing the preparation and training of maritime surveillance and reconnaissance crews for modern airspace deployments.
The initiation of this project was marked by the arrival of an Antonov AN-124 Ruslan airlifter, which will deliver essential components for the full-scale flight simulator situated in a dedicated facility. This significant development is expected to provide an advanced training environment for personnel involved with the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 5 Squadron.
Beyond the simulator experience, the Te Whare Toroa facility will house a variety of equipment tailored for both pilots and maintainers of the NZDF’s P-8A fleet. This comprehensive training hub is slated to become operational in 2026.
Sarah Minson, deputy capability delivery secretary of New Zealand’s defense agency, emphasized the critical importance of the upcoming training hub for the P-8A missions carried out by the armed forces. She noted that utilizing simulation tools offers a secure space for crew members to develop and maintain their skills on sophisticated aircraft systems, thereby minimizing risk and reducing the need for extensive flight training hours. Additionally, the use of simulators will help increase the operational availability of aircraft for NZDF missions.
The P-8A Poseidon flight simulator is designed to replicate the look and functionality of a real cockpit, enabling crews to train in a realistic setting that encompasses various scenarios, from emergencies to challenging weather conditions.
The construction of the Te Whare Toroa building is being realized in partnership with Boeing, the aerospace company responsible for delivering New Zealand’s new P-8A fleet between 2022 and 2023. The government has also contracted Boeing to provide mission systems, spare parts, and ground support equipment, with the total program value reaching 2.3 billion New Zealand dollars (approximately $1.3 billion). Currently, four P-8As have been commissioned into service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force as part of this initiative.
