The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has unveiled three new Augusta Westland A109 helicopters stationed at a new hangar at Ohakea Air Base, Manawatu, New Zealand.

RNZAF chief air vice-marshal Peter Stockwell said the new helicopters would equip the force with needed capability to perform operations even more effectively and efficiently.

The A109 is a lightweight twin-engine helicopter with a modern glass cockpit and retractable wheel undercarriage and will be utilised as part of the helicopter training programme and for light utility tasks.

The helicopters are the first of five that will replace the existing aging fleet of Bell 47G-B1 Sioux training helicopters.