The US has approved the $US1.5 billion ($A2.1 billion) sale of five Seahawk maritime helicopters to New Zealand, which has pledged to almost double its military spending as it seeks to boost defence capabilities.
"The US Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the government of New Zealand for MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters and related equipment," the department said in a statement on its website on Friday.
