Tweet
The New Zealand Defence Force White Paper has been released earlier today in Wellington.
You can link to it from here:
http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/downloads/pdf...paper_2010.pdf
Of note their are a number of things of specific interest. Following the release of the DWP the DefMin undertook a number of press interviews to clarify the at times vaguness of the reports language. In recent months there have been also a number of media softeners from the DefMin regarding expectations, intentions and possibilities. Not all that information is explicitly highlighted in the DWP. Thus in a nutshell, this is what is to be going down.
NZ Army
Reduction of operational NZLAV's to 90 from 105.
Re-organisation of the Army to be centred around 3 Infantry Battalions of 800 personnel with 3 Land Support Groups. (Thus an increase of another Regular Infantry Battalion). The Army to be able to sustain a three year deployment into a medium intensity conflict scenario.
An increase in specialist Engineer / Construction Squadrons.
The re-activation of the former Rangers Company to Support the NZSAS / 1RNZIR in the Green Role.
An increase in size of the 1 NZSAS Group. (The DWP is not clear if this means means a third Sabre Squadron.)
Rounding out of the newly raised 1 Commando Squadron (Black Role) to full establishment.
Retention of a Artillery / Fire Support Capability. (The 777 is mooted to replace the Hamel but not until the Hamel gets one more upgrade to last it out until the end of the decade)
Retention of the 6 Terroritorial Battalions which will be officially renamed Army Reserve. (Exact future role yet to be defined until a further Reserve Forces Study is completed early next year, but likely to include NZ / Pacific disaster relief roles and a capability to deploy into the Pacific to undertake low-end conflict scenario's and humanitarian support missions.
Improved deployable Combat Medical Capability.
Networked Land Command and Control System
Land Transport Fleet Upgrade
RNZN
ESSM and midlife upgrade to go ahead in the Frigates as a priority.
Around NZ$2 Billion (2010 fye) to be allocated towards a frigate capability for the eventual replacement of the Anzacs. The question is will that be two very high end multi-role Anzac II's of 7000t at that price or three of a less capable general purpose Frigates such as the Danish F-370 class. This is to happen by 2030.
The replacement of the HMNZS Endeavour with a Joint Support Ship to increase Sealift Capability as well as provide for AOR.
Replacement of the HMNZS Manawanui and HMNZS Resloution with a larger Littoral Warfare Support Vessel (Green Water) to act act as a platform for MCM / Dive and Maritime Support Roles, including having enough speed to act as a further Patrol Vessel when required.
Sensor and Armament upgrade for the HMNZS Wellington and HMNZS Otago. (Rumours are Mini Typhoon is a possibility)
RNZAF
Replacement of both the Boeing 757's and five C-130-H's with possibly a larger Transport Aircraft before the end of this decade. (DefMin has reported NZ$1.2-1.6 Billion (2010 fye) for this project by 2020)
The purchase of initially 3-4 extra Maritime Patrol Aircraft with a further tranche likely later in the decade. (Rumoured to be the CASA 235 or 295 with Mission Pallet System as the aircraft will also likely to act as a multi-engine trainer and offer light transport capability.)
An extra three Agusta A-109 LUH's, to add to the current five ordered, but no more NH-90 TTH's.
Advanced Pilot Trainer will be announced in March 2011. (Note that there has been lobbying by Defence Analysts and Commentators that the Macchi MB-339's currently stored should be upgraded for this role.
The Seasprite naval helicopters to be replaced or upgraded. (Their are rumours flying around that the ill-fated RAN SH-2G(A) Seasprites may well be stripped of their problematic avionics and restored into the more simplified SH-2G(NZ) version. The RNZAF recently bought 6 older F models as INST frames for ground training.)
The P3-K2 to get an upgrade to get back ASW capability and likely stand-off A/Shp missile. Likely to be replaced with the P-8 and/or an appropriate high altitude long range UAV - Global Hawk and engagement in BAMS has been mentioned in DefMin interviews at a cost of up to $1.6 Billion (2010 fye).
Defence Force HQ
Networked ISR / Satellite Capability for Wide Area Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaisance.
Deployable Operational HQ
Forward Surgical Team
Rationalisation of non essential defence bases and housing.
Consolidation of Major Defence bases. Linton Army Camp will shift to an expanded RNZAF Ohakea to form the main Joint Services Base or Defence "Hub". Further Consolidation is envisaged medium to long term at RNZAF Auckland and Burnham Army Camp in the South Island. Waiouru Camp and Tekapo Camp, the large area training bases will be retained but drastically reduced in permanent personnel. Trentham and Burnham will become templates for Public, Private Partnerships in terms of civilian defence support elements.
Establishment of a Defence Advisory Board to offer independent advice to the DefMin.
Increased powers and responsibility to the CDF over the operational and fiscal output of the NZDF.
A drive for increased inter-operability with the ADF and other Defence Organisations such as FPDA and NATO.
Generally a very good review. By sharpeneing up the management of the NZDF and reallocating resources and personnel following a value for money exercise the NZDF should have over NZ$3 Billion per annum available in the Defence Budget. To the die-hards all that is missing from this plan is a resurrection of an air combat capability. That may yet happen once the business case for whether an avionics upgrade to the stored 17 Aermachi Jets as Advanced Trainers / Light Attack is do-able cost wise compared to a cheaper prop flatform.
You can link to it from here:
http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/downloads/pdf...paper_2010.pdf
Of note their are a number of things of specific interest. Following the release of the DWP the DefMin undertook a number of press interviews to clarify the at times vaguness of the reports language. In recent months there have been also a number of media softeners from the DefMin regarding expectations, intentions and possibilities. Not all that information is explicitly highlighted in the DWP. Thus in a nutshell, this is what is to be going down.
NZ Army
Reduction of operational NZLAV's to 90 from 105.
Re-organisation of the Army to be centred around 3 Infantry Battalions of 800 personnel with 3 Land Support Groups. (Thus an increase of another Regular Infantry Battalion). The Army to be able to sustain a three year deployment into a medium intensity conflict scenario.
An increase in specialist Engineer / Construction Squadrons.
The re-activation of the former Rangers Company to Support the NZSAS / 1RNZIR in the Green Role.
An increase in size of the 1 NZSAS Group. (The DWP is not clear if this means means a third Sabre Squadron.)
Rounding out of the newly raised 1 Commando Squadron (Black Role) to full establishment.
Retention of a Artillery / Fire Support Capability. (The 777 is mooted to replace the Hamel but not until the Hamel gets one more upgrade to last it out until the end of the decade)
Retention of the 6 Terroritorial Battalions which will be officially renamed Army Reserve. (Exact future role yet to be defined until a further Reserve Forces Study is completed early next year, but likely to include NZ / Pacific disaster relief roles and a capability to deploy into the Pacific to undertake low-end conflict scenario's and humanitarian support missions.
Improved deployable Combat Medical Capability.
Networked Land Command and Control System
Land Transport Fleet Upgrade
RNZN
ESSM and midlife upgrade to go ahead in the Frigates as a priority.
Around NZ$2 Billion (2010 fye) to be allocated towards a frigate capability for the eventual replacement of the Anzacs. The question is will that be two very high end multi-role Anzac II's of 7000t at that price or three of a less capable general purpose Frigates such as the Danish F-370 class. This is to happen by 2030.
The replacement of the HMNZS Endeavour with a Joint Support Ship to increase Sealift Capability as well as provide for AOR.
Replacement of the HMNZS Manawanui and HMNZS Resloution with a larger Littoral Warfare Support Vessel (Green Water) to act act as a platform for MCM / Dive and Maritime Support Roles, including having enough speed to act as a further Patrol Vessel when required.
Sensor and Armament upgrade for the HMNZS Wellington and HMNZS Otago. (Rumours are Mini Typhoon is a possibility)
RNZAF
Replacement of both the Boeing 757's and five C-130-H's with possibly a larger Transport Aircraft before the end of this decade. (DefMin has reported NZ$1.2-1.6 Billion (2010 fye) for this project by 2020)
The purchase of initially 3-4 extra Maritime Patrol Aircraft with a further tranche likely later in the decade. (Rumoured to be the CASA 235 or 295 with Mission Pallet System as the aircraft will also likely to act as a multi-engine trainer and offer light transport capability.)
An extra three Agusta A-109 LUH's, to add to the current five ordered, but no more NH-90 TTH's.
Advanced Pilot Trainer will be announced in March 2011. (Note that there has been lobbying by Defence Analysts and Commentators that the Macchi MB-339's currently stored should be upgraded for this role.
The Seasprite naval helicopters to be replaced or upgraded. (Their are rumours flying around that the ill-fated RAN SH-2G(A) Seasprites may well be stripped of their problematic avionics and restored into the more simplified SH-2G(NZ) version. The RNZAF recently bought 6 older F models as INST frames for ground training.)
The P3-K2 to get an upgrade to get back ASW capability and likely stand-off A/Shp missile. Likely to be replaced with the P-8 and/or an appropriate high altitude long range UAV - Global Hawk and engagement in BAMS has been mentioned in DefMin interviews at a cost of up to $1.6 Billion (2010 fye).
Defence Force HQ
Networked ISR / Satellite Capability for Wide Area Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaisance.
Deployable Operational HQ
Forward Surgical Team
Rationalisation of non essential defence bases and housing.
Consolidation of Major Defence bases. Linton Army Camp will shift to an expanded RNZAF Ohakea to form the main Joint Services Base or Defence "Hub". Further Consolidation is envisaged medium to long term at RNZAF Auckland and Burnham Army Camp in the South Island. Waiouru Camp and Tekapo Camp, the large area training bases will be retained but drastically reduced in permanent personnel. Trentham and Burnham will become templates for Public, Private Partnerships in terms of civilian defence support elements.
Establishment of a Defence Advisory Board to offer independent advice to the DefMin.
Increased powers and responsibility to the CDF over the operational and fiscal output of the NZDF.
A drive for increased inter-operability with the ADF and other Defence Organisations such as FPDA and NATO.
Generally a very good review. By sharpeneing up the management of the NZDF and reallocating resources and personnel following a value for money exercise the NZDF should have over NZ$3 Billion per annum available in the Defence Budget. To the die-hards all that is missing from this plan is a resurrection of an air combat capability. That may yet happen once the business case for whether an avionics upgrade to the stored 17 Aermachi Jets as Advanced Trainers / Light Attack is do-able cost wise compared to a cheaper prop flatform.
Comment