“Having the right Defence technology, and giving our sailors, soldiers and air men and women appropriate levels of training with that equipment, means we do not expose our people to any undue risks when they deploy on active operations. For New Zealand, it means our Defence Forces can provide a credible response to challenges, be they close to home, or on the other side of the world”
Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae
REMUS Underwater Robot
REMUS Underwater Robot
REMUS is the acronym for Remote Environmental Monitoring Units, robotic ‘torpedoes’ that navigate without a human crew on board and without cables connecting them to research vessels. They are one of the growing class of ocean instruments known as autonomous underwater vehicles, (AUVs). REMUS vehicles can dive to 100 metres deep and are capable of conducting an 80 km survey at a speed of 3 knots. Testing the REMUS, Navy Warrant Officer Bernie Reihana noted that although NZ has no ‘enemies’ as such, it’s important to be able to support New Zealand’s friends. “We could be tasked to support one crisis, like mine countermeasures, while our allies operate on another front.”
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ‘KAHU’
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ‘KAHU’
Gunner Jordan Barratt prepares mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ‘Kahu’ (Maori for “Hawk”) prior to launch at Waiouru Army Training Area during field tests.
New Zealand’s home grown Kahu, (devised by the Defence Technology Agency at Devonport), has been the key component in the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance Battlelab for some time, but had its first successful night flight during AEON (Army Exercise on Nemesis).
Javelin
Javelin
The NZ Army successfully tested the Javelin medium range anti-armour weapon (MRAAW) in its first live firing at Waiouru earlier this year. The Javelin, a shoulder launched man portable anti-tank missile system, provides land forces with a medium-range capability against armoured vehicles and other targets. The medium-range anti-armour weapon is capable of defeating threats at a range of up to 2,500 metres.
NH-90 Helicopter
NH-90 Helicopter
The NH90 is an advanced medium utility helicopter. It can undertake a variety of roles (such as troop transport, search and rescue and counter terrorism) and is a significant improvement on the Iroquois helicopter.
“These new helicopters represent a quantum leap forward in terms of capabilities from our present Vietnam war era Iroquois helicopters. They are a vital enabler for all three Defence Force Services, for military and peacekeeping operations, for police and counter-terrorism work and for civil emergencies in New Zealand and the Pacific.” - The Minister of Defence
Boeing Upgrade
Boeing Upgrade
In what is a major milestone for the Ministry of Defence and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 modification and upgrade programme, the first of two aircraft (NZ7571) returned to New Zealand from Mobile Aerospace Engineering in Mobile, Alabama.
Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott said, “To see the first Boeing arrive back in New Zealand is a reward to all those involved in this project. The increased capability of this aircraft will provide a significant boost to the Air Force’s airlift options. We will have the ability to rapidly change the role of the aircraft to any given task, converting from standard passenger configuration to a combination freight/passenger, full freight, Aero Medical Evacuation (AME) and VIP set up.”
Navy, Air Force Successfully Test Fire Missile
Navy, Air Force Successfully Test Fire Missile
An air-to-surface live missile firing was successfully conducted in a joint exercise involving the Royal New Zealand Navy Frigate TE KAHA, Naval Seasprite Helicopters from 6 Squadron, and an Air Force P3 Orion. “This is an important demonstration of the Seasprite and Maverick missile capability. It is also a very good example of sailors and airmen and women working together to bring to bear that capability,” said Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Tony Parr.
Inshore Patrol Vessels
TAUPO, Inshore Patrol Vessel
TAUPO, the fourth of four Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) being built entirely in New Zealand, was launched in Whangarei Harbour in July. The ship follows the launch of IPVs ROTOITI, PUKAKI and HAWEA, and is one of seven new Navy vessels under ‘Project Protector’. Inshore Patrol vessels will patrol the New Zealand coastline and the South Pacific, and conduct maritime surveillance in support of other agencies such as Customs and Fisheries.
Weapons Training System
Weapons Training System
“The new Weapons Training System is an invaluable addition to the NZ Army, helping us provide world-class training for our soldiers utilising the latest technological developments. The innovative piece of equipment gives the Army the ability to use a variety of weaponry in high-tempo, real-time and challenging situations, without the intervention of adverse weather conditions”. - Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner on the Weapons Training System at Waiouru.