I imagine the reason they have delayed it is to smooth out the capital expenditure profile, as the P8, C130J, and complementary maritime air surveillance are all due to be introduced (and paid for) by 2023.
As well as a number of Army and NZDF projects over the next 5 years. Money is being spent, which I know is a shock to many - so I thought it would be useful to broach some of these out to 2025, amongst the more well noted ones.
Protected Mobility
Introduction into Service – 2024
Indicative capital cost: From $300m–$600m
Land Force Protection
Introduction into Service – From 2023
Indicative capital cost: From $25m–$50m
Garrison and Training Support Vehicles
Introduction into Service – From 2022
Indicative capital cost: From $100m–$300m
Tactical Mobility
Introduction into Service – 2024
Indicative capital cost: Less than $25m
Network Enabled Army – Combined Arms Task Group
Introduction into Service – Progressive rollout of Capabilities from 2019
Indicative capital cost: From $100m–$300m
Network Enabled Army – Sustained Combined Arms Task Group
Introduction into Service – Progressive rollout of Capability from 2019
Indicative capital cost: From $300m–$600m
Cryptographic Refresh
Introduction into service: 2019
Indicative capital cost: $25m
Maritime Satellite Surveillance
Introduction into Service – 2025
Indicative capital cost: TBC
Cyber Security and Support Capability
Introduction into Service - From 2021
Indicative capital cost: Less than $25m
Solution: Multiple small-scale projects
Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Introduction into Service – 2025
Indicative capital cost: From $25m–$50m
As for the SOPV, the Canadian
Harry DeWolf class seems like a perfect fit for the role they described in the DCP. It has a low level military fit out with the same armament as our current OPV's, is large enough to handle the southern ocean swells, has the capacity to host scientific and fisheries personnel, and has limited ice-breaker capabilities. I think it has been mentioned previously on here as a candidate for this role, but I thought it was worth mentioning again with all this talk of the VARD 125.
I agree the Harry DeWolf / VARD 7 100ICE class ticks all the boxes. It is logical to assume that a modernised design evolution of its sister variant the VARD 7 100OPV would also be an attractive follow-on, to replace the current VARD 85OPV design.