NZDF

Shaping and Rebuilding the NZDF

The Government’s Defence Policy Framework (2000) set the scene for Shaping and Rebuilding the NZDF capabilities. There are seven principles that the Government will use to guide this process - they are that the NZDF be:

  • Equipped and trained for combat and peacekeeping. In order to perform the key tasks required by the Government, the NZDF must be appropriately equipped and trained for both combat and peacekeeping.
  • Deployable. To be able to deploy and sustain our forces, particularly over long distances, a flexible and adaptable mix of air and sealift capabilities are required.
  • Able to operate alongside other forces. Exercising bilaterally with Australia and multilaterally through the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) and others builds up the NZDF’s interoperability.
  • Held at appropriate levels of readiness. The NZDF must be equipped and trained at appropriate levels of readiness.
  • Sustainable. Contributions to deployments may be for long periods and involve rotations of personnel and equipment. NZDF resources must be managed to ensure that commitments can be sustained.
  • Up to date in technology and doctrine. It is essential that the NZDF keep abreast of military technology and other changes in military operations - the so called Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) - but having due regard for the high costs involved, in order to retain operational effectiveness and interoperability with our friends and allies. A progressive approach to the introduction of new technology will help to smooth out the costs, and consideration may also need to be given to retaining a lesser range of capabilities.
  • Fiscally sustainable. The Government wants to ensure that our defence dollars are spent wisely. The focus in rebuilding the NZDF will be in the areas of most urgent need.

The Government’s Defence Policy Framework also sets the scene in terms of the Priorities for Rebuilding the NZDF. It notes that sensible prioritisation of projects against available resources is essential and that priority will be given to the acquisition and maintenance of essential equipment. The core requirement is for well-equipped, combat-trained land forces which are also able to act as effective peacekeepers, supported by the Navy and Air Force. The greatest needs, as listed in the Policy Framework, are to:

  • upgrade the Army’s mobility, communications, surveillance, and fire support capabilities;
  • provide effective air and naval transport capabilities; and
  • maintain effective maritime surveillance capabilities of the Air Force and Navy, within the New Zealand EEZ and the EEZs of Pacific Island States.

On 8 May 2001, the Government, in follow up to its Defence Policy Framework June 2000, announced major decisions in shaping and rebuilding the NZDF for the future (A Modern, Sustainable Defence Force Matched to New Zealand’s Needs: Government Defence Statement 8 May 2001). This Statement noted that these decisions would result in a high quality defence force that was able to keep abreast of technological developments, was affordable and could be sustained over the longer term. The decisions would ensure that resources were available to:

  • continue with the modernisation of the NZ Army,
  • meet New Zealand’s civilian and military needs for long range maritime patrol,
  • renew the air transport fleet and utility helicopters, and
  • develop a practical maritime surface fleet that is matched to New Zealand’s wide security needs.

On 11 June 2002, the Government released details of the first Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP). The LTDP is the Government’s blueprint for re-equipping the NZDF. It provides a comprehensive list of all planned major acquisitions with preliminary estimates, timings and priorities. The LTDP has a rolling forward focus of 10 years and links the Government’s defence policy objectives set out in the Defence Policy Framework June 2000, with the capability requirements announced in the Defence Statement of May 2001. The LTDP is regularly updated and continues to be a key planning document to support the decision-making processes required for shaping the future capabilities of the NZDF. The Minister of Defence released the latest update of the LTDP in October 2006. The next update is due to be released about mid-2008.

Provided below is an update on LTDP matters (as at the time of preparation for print of this Statement of Intent).

The following major projects on the LTDP have been completed or are well advanced:

  • Introduction into service of:
    • the New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle (NZ LAV);
    • the Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicle (LOV), all variants (some remedial work continues);
    • the Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon; and
    • the Very Low Level Air Defence Cueing System;
  • The New Defence Headquarters Building was completed in early 2007.
  • Ongoing purchase and progressive introduction into service of the new vessels for the Navy under Project Protector. It is expected that all seven vessels will be in service by the end of 2008.
  • Modifications to the Boeing 757-200 strategic transport aircraft, which is a critical enabler for many operations, will be completed in 2008.
  • Life Extension upgrade of the C-130 Hercules strategic and tactical transport aircraft should be complete in 2011 - with the first upgraded aircraft delivered in mid-2008.
  • Mission Management, Communications, and Navigation Systems upgrades of the P-3K Orion aircraft should be complete in 2011 - with the first upgraded aircraft in service in early 2009.
  • The NH-90 Medium Utility Helicopter has been ordered as the replacement for the Iroquois helicopter. It is expected that the NH-90s will be in service by 2013 - with the first aircraft arriving in 2010.
  • The Augusta-Westland A-109 has been identified as the preferred tenderer for the Training/Light Utility Helicopter to replace the Sioux helicopter. Contract negotiations are underway.
  • The Special Operations Capability Project for the Army will be completed in 2008.
  • The equipment to support the enhanced NZDF Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) capability with the addition of the Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) requirement is being purchased and appropriate staff are being moved to the new stand-alone organisation. Full operational capability should be achieved in 2010.

In releasing the October 2006 update of the LTDP, the Minister of Defence announced seven new Defence Projects. These projects, which are critical to avoid policy failure, are as follows:

  • A new fuel storage installation at Devonport Naval Base. This project is scheduled for completion in 2009.
  • A new power generation and reticulation system at the Devonport Naval Base. This project is scheduled for completion in 2009.
  • Upgrade of the Taxiways at Ohakea Air Base. Reconstruction work needs to be undertaken before the arrival of the new NH-90 helicopters. This project is currently underway.
  • Advanced Pilot Training Capability (APTC) [B200 King Air Replacement]. This project will maintain the ability to conduct advanced pilot training after the expiry of the present B200 King Air lease in 2008. A process is underway to identify appropriate options.
  • Upgrade of the ANZAC frigates' platform systems. This project will ensure the continued integrity of the ANZAC frigates’ platform systems (systems that enable the ships to move, float, generate power, recover from damage and accommodate people). This project is underway.
  • Upgrade of the close-in protection weapon systems for the ANZAC frigates. This project will upgrade the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System which provides a last line of defence and protection against anti-ship missiles and strike aircraft. The project is underway.
  • Investigation of the acquisition of a satellite-based strategic communications capability through a long-term lease. Options are being investigated.

There are a number of projects that have been approved in principle by the Government and are on the LTDP as either critical or essential to avoid the failure of policy. These projects are at differing stages of development and include the following:

  • General Service Vehicle Fleet Replacement/Land Transport Capability Program. The Army’s general service vehicle fleets, including medium and heavy vehicles, will need to be replaced, beginning in about 2011.
  • The acquisition strategy for the Joint Command and Control System (JCCS), a project designed to implement an automated command and control system in the NZDF as part of an NZDF-wide Network Enabled Capability (NEC) Strategy, is being developed for consideration by the Government.
  • Consolidation of the Air Force at Ohakea. In November 2007, the Government approved a programme of essential infrastructure construction at RNZAF Base Ohakea. Work has begun on new facilities to accommodate the incoming capabilities. Other major projects will include a new Air Movements terminal and new Maintenance Support Squadron facilities.
  • Land Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Tactical Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4). This project will create a land-based C4ISR system able to exploit the advances in data information exchange.
  • ANZAC Class Frigate Self-Defence Upgrade. This project will upgrade the ANZAC Class frigates’ self-defence systems to protect the Naval Combat Force and ships under its immediate protection. This project will be conducted in several phases and is scheduled to commence in 2010.
  • C-130 Hercules Self-Protection. This project will upgrade the C-130 aircraft self-protection system to provide the ability to detect and counter likely threats, primarily man-portable infrared missiles. Parts of this project will be conducted during the C-130 life extension programme.
  • P-3 Orion Self-Protection. This project will equip the P-3 Orion aircraft with a self-protection capability to counter likely threats, primarily man-portable infrared missiles. Current work includes identification of the appropriate self-protection requirement.
  • P-3K Orion Air-to-Surface Weapons. This project will equip the P-3K Orion aircraft with an Air-to-Surface Weapons capability. A study will be conducted in due course to determine the appropriate weapons for this capability.
  • NZDF Torpedo Replacement. This project will replace the torpedoes for the ANZAC frigates, P-3 Orions and SH-2G Seasprite helicopters.

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This page was last reviewed on 21 May 2009, and is current.