Royal New Zealand Air Force

[t68]

A mix of 3 x A400, 4 x P8 & 3 or 4 x C295MPA with 2? palletised mission systems may be an option.
The C295MPA with palletised mission systems enables the a/c to undertake fishery protection etc considerably cheaper than using a P8 and also allowing the P8 to concentrate on duties where its additional capabilities are required.
Using the C295 with its palletised mission system removed could also supplement the A400 etc in undertaking operations where a larger aircraft isn't required which again could save money.

I certantly think the A400/C295 will have compatibility benifits for NZ, certantly worth considering if the C295 could also cover MEPT training at a reasonable price wonder if the cost benefits could be acheived by moving from King Air to C295 as a multi role MEPT/MPA & regional lifter.

 

[MrConservative]

I certantly think the A400/C295 will have compatibility benefits for NZ, certantly worth considering if the C295 could also cover MEPT training at a reasonable price wonder if the cost benefits could be acheived by moving from King Air to C295 as a multi role MEPT/MPA & regional lifter.

When the leased Kingair fleet can do all the NZGovt wants from it in the MEPT/AWCT/MSAR/SRMP/VIP role already at economical costs but valued policy and operational outputs. The C-295 concept falls over. Since a military lifter in the 20-40 lift tonne class is highly likely - it is unlikely the substantial amount of cost in acquiring, operating and logistically supporting another smaller airlifter in the 5-10 tonne class would also eventuate just to cover the very rare occasions that an emergency airlift of just a couple of pallets / tonnes up into the Pacific might be required. They would simply use the medium lift platform and integrate training tasks into the mission profile.

 

[Rob c]

When the leased Kingair fleet can do all the NZGovt wants from it in the MEPT/AWCT/MSAR/SRMP/VIP role already at economical costs but valued policy and operational outputs. The C-295 concept falls over. Since a military lifter in the 20-40 lift tonne class is highly likely - it is unlikely the substantial amount of cost in acquiring, operating and logistically supporting another smaller airlifter in the 5-10 tonne class would also eventuate just to cover the very rare occasions that an emergency airlift of just a couple of pallets / tonnes up into the Pacific might be required. They would simply use the medium lift platform and integrate training tasks into the mission profile.

Agree with you in the current climate, However in the future should the situation in the South Pacific change and the Government take its defence obligations to the Cook's and Samoa more seriously a multi role aircraft such as the C295 doing MPA, transport and communications,with the appropriate mission pallets, would be useful in this area.

 

[htbrst]

Singapore are coming back to play with some F-16's based out of Ohakea as a form of trial run for a more permanent training base

https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-st...-Force-flies-in-to-Ohakea-for-flying-training

Singapore pilots will wing their way to Ohakea for training as top-leval talks continue about the Asian nation setting up a permanent Air Force base in New Zealand.

It was announced at the Ohakea Air Tattoo in February that Singapore officials were in talks with the New Zealand Government about the idea.

A New Zealand Defence Force spokesman said at the end of August, F16 fighter aircraft would visit Ohakea for three weeks for flying training.

Should Ohakea become a permanent training base for the Singapore Air Foce, an F15 fighter would be based there.

Discussions around the Singapore Air Force having a presence at Ohakea were continuing and the spokesman said this month's exercise was a useful opportunity to consider how the permanent-base proposal might work....

I think they might bring more than one F-15

 

[danonz]

Could be quite handy if the government ever decides to bring back the combat wing,
might make the decision and practicality of it easier but I still think it is very unlikely in our current environment.

 

[Joe Black]

Could be quite handy if the government ever decides to bring back the combat wing,
might make the decision and practicality of it easier but I still think it is very unlikely in our current environment.

I do hope one day NZ will fly fast jets again, even if that means just LIFTs only like the FA-50 or BAE Hawk. That will give them minimum air strikes capability both to contribute to the defence of NZ airspace as well as a potent maritime strike platform. I know that are lots of Kiwis who will quickly disagree. One can only dream.

 

[t68]

I do hope one day NZ will fly fast jets again, even if that means just LIFTs only like the FA-50 or BAE Hawk. That will give them minimum air strikes capability both to contribute to the defence of NZ airspace as well as a potent maritime strike platform. I know that are lots of Kiwis who will quickly disagree. One can only dream.

Don't think majority kiwis disagree, just see a more pressing needs out of the allocated budget

 

[Gibbo]

Could be quite handy if the government ever decides to bring back the combat wing,
might make the decision and practicality of it easier but I still think it is very unlikely in our current environment.

Think it's important to remember the Govt has very quickly & categorically stated, when asked, that this Singaporean deal has no relationship to NZ's defence policy nor any possible plans for an ACF... it is a Singapore driven initiative that the Govt is keen to cash-in on due to the substantial economic benefits only.

 

[ngatimozart]

Official ministerial release regarding SAF F-16 training:

Mark Mitchell 2 AUGUST, 2017
Singapore fighter jets to train in New Zealand

A Republic of Singapore Air Force flying training exercise hosted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force will take place at the Ohakea Air Force base from 30 August to 25 September, says Defence Minister Mark Mitchell.

Mr Mitchell says the deployment will include six F-16D+ fighter jets, about 110 personnel and associated support equipment. The contingent will be based at Ohakea but will carry out training missions throughout New Zealand, including day and night flying, using New Zealand air weapons ranges, and conducting other training at both high and low altitude.

“Singapore is one of our closest Defence partners. All three Services of the New Zealand Defence Force regularly train and exercise with their Singaporean counterparts, and it will be a pleasure to welcome this group to New Zealand,” Mr Mitchell says.

“Our two countries have an active agreement to explore opportunities for further military co-operation and training and this exercise aligns perfectly with that.”

Mr Mitchell says Singapore has also asked the New Zealand Government to consider accommodating F-15SG fighter jet training at Ohakea long-term.

“At the moment both countries are carrying out a range of studies to enable everyone to make an informed decision on a possible proposal. But we have similar values and it could be a good fit.

“This exercise is timely, in that it will provide valuable data for the process and how basing F15s at Ohakea might work for our Air Force.

“The Government is committed to following a good process and is firmly committed to work closely on this with local communities through their mayors and councils. That engagement has already begun.

“There is a lot of work to be done before the possibility could come to fruition and I look forward to a productive partnership with local government in that work,” Mr Mitchell says.

 

[Gibbo]

When the leased Kingair fleet can do all the NZGovt wants from it in the MEPT/AWCT/MSAR/SRMP/VIP role already at economical costs but valued policy and operational outputs.....

Yes it will, and it will do them just fine. Curiously with only weeks (supposedly) to go with the current B200 lease, nothing has been publicly stated about a new lease agreement so I guess in the short-term we are looking at a simple 'rollover'. Anyone got their ear to the ground on this one?

 

[STURM]

Air crews from the Malaysian army's 881 Squadron have been utilising the RNZAF's A-109 simulator at Ohakea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avbfr8H1IZ0

 

[40 deg south]

Think it's important to remember the Govt has very quickly & categorically stated, when asked, that this Singaporean deal has no relationship to NZ's defence policy nor any possible plans for an ACF... it is a Singapore driven initiative that the Govt is keen to cash-in on due to the substantial economic benefits only.

Singapore to base F-15SGs in New Zealand? | Australian Aviation

Another media report, with lots of wishful thinking in the comments.

It looks very much like the short-term F-16 deployment is a way for Singapore to test the waters before committing to the F-15 proposal. Singapore isn't going to want to place their forces in a situation where they are encountering political demonstrations on a daily basis. They'll also be very concerned about facilities and amenities for any deployed staff, including things like schooling for children. My understanding is that they have huge issues with recruitment/retention, and a couple of years enjoying the climate of Palmerston North surely isn't going to help!

 

[40 deg south]

Air crews from the Malaysian army's 881 Squadron have been utilising the RNZAF's A-109 simulator at Ohakea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Avbfr8H1IZ0

Has been going on for a number of years. A nice win/win, with NZ getting some $$ to help pay simulator costs, and Malaysia getting access to a proven training system without having to go to Europe.

I wonder if NZ has tried to interest the Philippines in the same deal too, as they have also bought the AW-109?

 

[danonz]

At Wellington airport to pick up the wife and this was out side the Air Force terminal
(Not sure if that's what it's called only been through it once )
View attachment 6884

Half expecting to be told off for taking photos late at night .

 

[MrConservative]

RNZAF Air Movements Rongotai.

What is RAAF A41-213 doing here on a wet winter Sunday?

Nice work by the way.

 

[t68]

RNZAF Air Movements Rongotai.

What is RAAF A41-213 doing here on a wet winter Sunday?

Nice work by the way.

Did you get anything transported over for Tailsman Saber, might just be returning stuff

 

[RegR]

Did you get anything transported over for Tailsman Saber, might just be returning stuff

Would think it would fly direct to Ohakea if that where the case as surely easier logistically and operationally? Could also be uplifting excess pers for the air mobility ex in the States as I doubt our herc could take the entire contingent plus equipment, GSE etc (unless a boeing accompanied). No doubt a few officers from JFNZ/HQNZDF made themselves available to "observe" the multinational overseas ex as always, beats Waiouru training area for location anyway.

 

[hauritz]

Singapore to base F-15SGs in New Zealand? | Australian Aviation

Another media report, with lots of wishful thinking in the comments.

It looks very much like the short-term F-16 deployment is a way for Singapore to test the waters before committing to the F-15 proposal. Singapore isn't going to want to place their forces in a situation where they are encountering political demonstrations on a daily basis. They'll also be very concerned about facilities and amenities for any deployed staff, including things like schooling for children. My understanding is that they have huge issues with recruitment/retention, and a couple of years enjoying the climate of Palmerston North surely isn't going to help!

I don't know if it is necessarily wishful thinking. Admittedly there will be issues with some of the locals not wanting any military presence in NZ ... but Singapore isn't like the US.

Despite its impressive military Singapore is hardly a military superpower so there shouldn't be the same political baggage.

 

[MrConservative]

I don't know if it is necessarily wishful thinking. Admittedly there will be issues with some of the locals not wanting any military presence in NZ ... but Singapore isn't like the US.

Despite its impressive military Singapore is hardly a military superpower so there shouldn't be the same political baggage.

Any military presence including our own - though in reality it is a very small minority from the Hard Left / Hard Green though enabled by the more childish elements of the MSM.

I would guess vast majority of the general population are neutral to being positive about this.

 

[Redlands18]

RNZAF Air Movements Rongotai.

What is RAAF A41-213 doing here on a wet winter Sunday?

Nice work by the way.

http://australianaviation.com.au/2017/08/raaf-takes-part-in-exercise-mobility-guardian-17/
I think this should answer some questions why a RAAF C-17 was in NZ on Sunday night.