t68
Well-Known Member
Agree its not a cheap exercise to stand up againReactivating an ACF is a hugely expensive and long process and I believe that the NZDF would achieve better deterrence by investing in alternative capabilities.
Agree there are a number of different ways that NZ could go with this but I think they will end up tagging onto the RN City class (Type 26) frigates1. Expand the frigate force, the OPVs and maritime helo numbers so that all deployed ships had helo capability.
This would enable the RNZN always partake in allied naval activity, provide escorts for the proposed LHDs and to meet its sovereignty obligations in both the Pacific and the Antarctic.
I agree adding the standoff weapons will make a substantial increase to the RNZAF, but that also should mean that they can cross the weapons with other platforms giving more options to defence P8 is too important to RNZAF with too few airframes even if they expand to current P-3 Orion numbers2. Expand the P8 force and give them LRSAM’s. That in itself is probably a greater deterrent than a small ACF.
Given that NZ is shelling out $1.46B for 4 aircraft and that Singapore is paying approx. $2.750B for 12 F35B, which makes more economic sense to deliberately put into harm’s way.
I have advocated this for some time the Wolverine would complement the ADF’S ARH capability3. Give the Army a meaningful Attack/ARH capability to add lethality, and;
4. Provide a further CAS capability in the form of the Beechcraft AT-6B which would be incredibly useful in the Indo Pacific especially for the counter insurgency Role and would compliment allied capability (I’ve argued for this previously).
I think that’s a given conclusion even if an ACF is not resurrected, as a JATF will require expanding land force numbers long term and will need supporting with the log tail away from home waters5. Increase air mobility/transport numbers.