The frigate was a political decision by him in the 1990,s due to the strong anti frigate campaign that had been going at that time. he had nothing to do with the F16 cancellation and had been part of the cabinet that decided to get them. I don't think he had any influence on defence matters under Helen Clark as she wave the big stick at that time He did not have the clout he will have now in 2005 as back then he was just one of the possibilities, now he is the only possibility. His deputy, Ron Mark may not always have top draw idea's but is very passionate about defence as I have found out when writing to him some years ago. I gave him a bit of a minor serve to see what his attitude was like and boy he threw his toys out of the cot.
NZDF General discussion thread
- Thread starter NZLAV
- Start date
The important thing for me coming out of this election in defence is the protection of the P-8A acquisition. It is not just the corner stone capability as what Wayne Mapp once said - but the keystone capability at the heart of the future defence force. That was my bottom line - something I would not compromise on.
The FASC may or may not be the P8A, from the last incoming defence ministers briefing, I got the impression that an increase in numbers was being sort due to a higher than expected overseas deployments, (anti piracy patrols etc). so we may be looking at more than 4 aircraft. I have yet to see any increase put forward for congressional approval.
The increase in numbers will be 2 or more King Airs with a maritime search radar and an E/O turret. This was stated in the Aircrew Training Capability Project and EEZ patrolling will be undertaken as part of the training syllabus.
Could be right, however the increase funding was for the FASC, I would have thought that the King Airs would not be part of that. The increase in the FASC funding implied and increase of numbers. However Time will tell and I would not bet on anything at present. Don't get me wrong, the P8 would be a great addition to the air force, but I don't think at this stage you can count out other options.
From the RFT:
That about covers it. The contract will be for only 7 years from this year as an interim solution whilst they finalise both the FASC and FAMC.
However we now wait to see who governs for the next 3 years (or until a coalition collapse - which ever is sooner) to see what direction NZDF future capabilities and acquisitions take.
I'm surprised nothing has been heard yet about a new lease agreement for King Airs as the key date was supposedly 'September'. Yes that does leave a few days yet for something to be publicised but the grapevine seems very quiet on this 'project'.
It's not a particularly expensive project and is far from controversial so I can't see why the election should have much impact on it. The current end lease date has been known for a long time and other than possibly doing a month-by-month rollover it has to be finalised at some point soon surely!?!
Yes I too am somewhat surprised about the lack of information regarding this. The Aircrew Training Capability Project isn't listed on the MOD website. So has it quietly been shelved?
Addition
According to the MOD website (24/9/2017):
So maybe they have rolled over the existing lease until they decide upon the FASC.
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Exercise Southern Katipo starts on Monday 2/10/2017 and goes until 18/11/2017. It is an extension of Southern Katipo 15 and will be held in the top of the South Island from Kaikoura and Greymouth north. The NH90s and AW109s will be based at Omaka (Blenheim) with fixed wing operating from Woodbourne.
Not sure the first week of the school holidays is ideal timing for clogging up the roads at the top of the South Island but hopefully they can avoid that
The evacuations in Vanuatu sound an ideal role for the Canterbury, but presumably she is tied up supporting this exercise and they are doing OK on their own for now. A P-3K2 overflew the volcanoes yesterday to keep an eye on them.
Donnzy
Member
sounds like there will be Opposing forces out on the water this year which i dont think has been touched on before. least the IPV will get some action, HMNZS Taupo will be out there as part of Opposing Force.
"We will then move across to Auckland for the On Water Boat Show, then spend the rest of the year partaking in Exercise Southern Katipo 2017 as part of the opposition force, followed by hosting the Officer of the Watch Bravo course on board, which introduces the concepts of navigation, the international rules for the prevention of collision at sea, meteorology, ship handling, and bridge resource management."
"We will then move across to Auckland for the On Water Boat Show, then spend the rest of the year partaking in Exercise Southern Katipo 2017 as part of the opposition force, followed by hosting the Officer of the Watch Bravo course on board, which introduces the concepts of navigation, the international rules for the prevention of collision at sea, meteorology, ship handling, and bridge resource management."
Code:
nzherald(dot)co(dot)nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503438&objectid=1192786840 deg south
Well-Known Member
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/97713861/peace-action-blockades-westpac-stadium-arms-industry-forum
A typically calm and reasoned discussion about defence issues in New Zealand.
A typically calm and reasoned discussion about defence issues in New Zealand.
Peace protesters being peaceful - not. This is an article by the protest organiser:
The weapons expo is a marketplace for misery that illustrates their logic. A very small but exceedingly vocal minority who do not reflect the views of the general population.
Special-ops soldier dies during maritime counter-terrorism exercise off Coromandel - NZ Herald
Sad news and no doubt the NZ Special Forces communities are grieving over this loss of one of their brethren in a training incident.
Sad news and no doubt the NZ Special Forces communities are grieving over this loss of one of their brethren in a training incident.
The new NZ Government will be a NZ First / Labour govt with the Greens as well. So it will be a left wing govt. How this will impact upon NZDF is not yet known but apparently the NZ$ has dropped against other currencies.
Live: It's Labour! Jacinda Ardern will be next PM after Winston Peters and NZ First swing left.
Live: It's Labour! Jacinda Ardern will be next PM after Winston Peters and NZ First swing left.
Kiss the big ticket items goodbye not going to happen that $20billion will be spent on something else
tongan_yam
New Member
There stated policy was to reallocate the $20B to social programs. There was never a $11B deficit in their budget as they knew that their coalition partners would cheer with the demise of our defence force.
Shanesworld
Well-Known Member
Sounds like ron mark might have defence. Unsure where that puts the $20bil.
Who gets the defence portfolio could very well be a pointer into how the future pans out. If Ron Mark gets it, it may not be all bad. Speaking to him some years ago, he strongly supported the reintroduction of a ACF, thought the 25mm on the LAV was miles to small and that we needed a tracked combat vehicle ( with a big gun). He did not seem to have any ideas in regard to the navy. Time will tell.