The RNZAF received 30 Mustangs in 1945 from the United States as part of the planned replacement of the Corsair fighter aircraft. It was intended that the RNZAF receive a total of 370 Mustangs, however this did not eventuate as the War ended before they could be put into service.

The aircraft were placed in storage until 1951, when they were issued to the four squadrons of the Territorial Air Force (TAF) – Otago, Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland. The majority were withdrawn from service in 1955, with most being sold for scrap in 1958.