We've read the cheap wish list with the 24 grippens. But what would be the ideal set of capabilities. Never mind the budget and all that. What should the New Zealand defence force look like?.
This is my view of what the NZDF should like. Forget about the ACF - that's a long dead horse. We'll work on the principle of a fully integrated Amphibious Task Force as the core unit. This also presupposes annual NZDF funding on 2% GDP which is where it should be, plus the NZG supplying extra capital expenditure funding where needed to bring NZDF equipment up to the scale stated here.
RNZAF.
6 x P8. Yes a big ask but the aircraft has a lot of capabilities and we can work on that and improve our ISR capabilities. There is no valid reason why we can't become very proficient and expert in the realm of ISR. Volkodav suggests a squadron of P8s
Realistically it would be cheaper to expand the MPA fleet and increase the numbers and capability of the frigate fleet than to rebuild the ACF. Considering the distances involved, even if China established a forward base in a belligerent Fiji you would still be better off with a full squadron of P-8s and a squadron of four or five high end ANZAC replacements.
Where as I believe a mixed squadron of six P3K2s /P8s and six CN235MPAs would be ideal.
I was given cause to have a look at the CN235 MPA earlier this evening and I am thinking that maybe it would be more practical than the C295 MPA. The HC144 Ocean Sentry is a variant of the CN235 MPA but it lacks the weapons hardpoints and I think those could be important. IIRC it can carry the Exocet missile and the Mk 46 & Mk 48 torpedoes. If the aircraft was bought and the same tactical system installed as used in the Orions then it could be viable. The Mk 46 is already in use with the RNZAF, we don't need the Exocet but the aircraft could be fitted to take the Maverick and maybe the Penguin. So that way we are utilising already in use systems and weapons so it's basically the aircraft plus the surface search radar etc. If by chance should the RNZAF purchase the C295M as a tactical airlifter then there is some commonality.
If the CN235 is fitted out as I suggest above then we are not having a lot of expenditure on extra or new weapons. I do feel that with the way the P3K2 & P8 are going that we need extra aircraft to cover the MPA role as well as what Mr C calls the MPS role. Its not as if it's carrying weaponry on every mission, but if their is a requirement then the ability to is available. So six of these critters as well.
I can't remember who's idea this was, but it was suggested buying the P8s in 3 tranches and spreading the cost over a longer period of time. So maybe 2 in 2018, the next 2 in 2022 and the last 2 in 2026 for example.
6 x A400M with full AAR kit.
6 x C295
3 x KC30 MRTT.
The KC30 is a force multiplier and as such would be a valuable asset to add to any coalition force. The P8 should have the AAR capability as it's already on the Wedgetail. The A400M can also be refuelled by AAR. If such a facility can be added to the C295, CN235 and the NH90 then we gain greater use out of our assets at the same time extending their range. That's also why I've gone for an extra A400M, because the A400M can easily be fitted with a fuel tank in the hold for AAR. It already has built in pump and plumbing for AAR. So the A400M can be used for AAR with fast movers as well as helos. The KC30 for most things except helos. Also the KC30 has its other uses as well.
4 more NH90s. 8 is definitely not enough.
12 x AW159 Wildcats (+2 for spares). To be phased in gradually and replace the SH2G(I) as primary RNZN helo. The Seasprites can be used as ASW /ASuW back up and other roles until they are munted or sold.
5 more AW109LUH marinised, armed and armoured.
RNZN.
3 x F26 with pommy hulls and machinery, Danish shipboard systems, CEAFAR, CEAMOUNT & Saab CEC, 5" gun, Sea Ceptor, Aster 30 AA missiles. I wouldn't mind something like Harpoon but I think that might be a step to far for NZ. I would like to see the current Protector class OPVs and IPVs replaced with something like the Damen OPV 2400 or 2600
Offshore Patrol Vessel - Damen Shipyards Group or the Navantia BAM
Buques de Acción Marítima (BAM) Class Patrol Vessels - Naval Technology The IPVs could be redeployed to the Reserve Divisions giving them each a ship with which their seagoing branches can train on and utilise, thus creating a pool of trained seagoing personnel.
Replace the Canterbury with 2 LPDs of around 13,000 tonnes with a minimum of 4 spots on the flight deck for NH90s. The second LPD could be partially fitted out as an aviation support vessel. The deck below the flight deck could be fitted out as a hangar and maintenance facility capable of stowing say 12 NH90 size helos. Leave the flight deck hanger where it is and position an elevator within it. The Endeavour is being replaced by the MPSC and the LWSC is supposed to be coming online by the end of the decade. Maybe need to look at a second MPSC later on.
NZ Army.
CD will know a lot more than I do as the Navy & Air Force are more my areas of interest. However I do think that the Army should have 2 infantry battalions, 1 shipboard, the second training and covering other requirements. The RNZA should be strengthened with self propelled 105mm howitzers as well as the current towed howitzers. Something like the CV90105
CV90105 but with the GIAT 105mm howitzer instead of 105mm rifled gun in the GIAT TML105 anti tank turret
Army Guide - TML 105, Antitank turret. I don’t know about numbers but maybe 12. I think it is a mistake selling the 20 NZLAVs, because I am sure that viable uses could be found for these vehicles especially if NZDF funding is at 2% GDP. CD would know what to add to this list from an Army point of view.
The question was what is the ideal set of capabilities and I’ve listed it from an equipment point of view, in that what I feel is required to achieve the goal of putting ashore a viable force, be it for war or HADR. It has to have a good logistical tail and that is the main strength of my force structure. Having said that, it also has to have a good maritime presence, projection and protection. The troops on the ground need good fire support, both NGS and their own artillery. It also needs air assets that can be brought to bear, either in a fire support role, e.g., Wildcat and Seasprite as shipborne assets or fixed wing MPA; or logistical support through rotary wing and fixed wing. Finally what is needed to help ensure successful completion of missions or deployments is exceedingly good ISR capabilities and most importantly the ability to move high quality and quantities data up, down and across the command chain in real time so that it can be used to the maximum.
