On 06 December 2011, Ohakea achieved another milestone in its history when the first two new NH90 helicopters were delivered by the largest aircraft to ever operate at Ohakea, the Antonov AN124-100.

Late last year, the Minister of Defence released the new Defence Capability Plan which provides the framework for acquiring the capabilities needed to deliver the Government’s defence policy. A key feature of this Plan is the total capability effect: a deployable Army, the ability to transport and sustain that Army overseas, the use of real-time technology to provide the entire Defence Force with a common operating picture, and capabilities for a credible combat role. The goal is an expeditionary Joint Amphibious Task Force.

Five New Zealand Defence Force personnel were among the New Zealanders named in this year’s New Year Honours.