Why change the name of the SAS? The reason it's called the SAS is because of the Malay Emergency when the British SAS was reformed, and at the same time, the capability was organized for NZ and Australia. Also, given the reputation of the SAS, I see no issue with the NZSAS...
Oh this whole change in track is just killing me
nfloorl:
Good points Rich. Without wanting to stray into the fighter/bomber arena (although I agree, affordable second hand options exist), in terms of maritime strike and due to the expertise built-up from operating P3's for 40 years, NZ's large SAR/patrol areas (south pacific to antartica), the very nature of the long distances betwen the scattered SP island nations, interoperability with Aus and USN, why not in the short term then simply increase the P3 fleet from 6 to say 12-15 etc), upgrade the sub detection equipment and arm them with suitable anti-ship missiles etc? This would provide credible force projection over a sustained period should the need arise, be that pacific/SE asia etc, but more importantly get good value for money as we know the P3's fulfill other government requirements (EZ patrol, SAR, UN/NATO task force missions etc) in other words these aircraft just don't sit around, they are fully utilised one way or another.
You make some good points recce.k1 and I would also like to see the Kiwi P3 force expanded and upgraded along the lines you suggest. I also think that NZ has also established expertise in the strike area, having operated Canberra tactical bombers and then Skyhawk light attack aircraft for the 40 year period leading up to the axing of the air combat force. I think there is a place for both.
For air policing & the like, fine. Cheap to operate, reliable, & with about as good a radar as you could reasonably expect in such a small aircraft. The air-air performance is surprisingly good: in NATO exercises Czech pilots are reported to have scored a few F-16 & F-18 kills in it. Would also enable the maintenance of fast jet flying skills at a relatively low price, in case they're ever needed again.
Could be launched from Frigate or Cruisers. I didn't say it has to be land based.And how many cruise missiles are out there whith the range to attack anywhere in the pacific region from bases in NZ?
No doubt you'd find HMAS Warramunga interesting then, it already has them, as does HMAS Arunta...
Three of the RAN Anzacs currently have Block 2 Harpoon which has land attack capability. The remainder are being progressively fitted. Warramunga has certainly achieved operational status. Anzac and Arunta have recently been fitted but I don't know if either has actually fired a Harpoon yet.