recce.k1
Well-Known Member
Yes good take on things from NZ's perspective, yes we are limited to what we have that can be better armed (Frigates, P-8A's, SH-2G Seasprites, Army LAV's) but I think what's just as important would be for NZG to support these Aus Govt initiatives by becoming involved where practical and when thinking about future capabilities (new/replacements) prioritise the integration of Aus built missile systems into the NZDF.So an article from ASPI was posted on the RAN thread which looks at the RAN deficiencies in air defence and missile strike capabilities and makes a number of suggestions (Some of which is already happening)
Equipping Australia’s navy to meet the threat from PLA anti-ship cruise missiles | The Strategist
‘Vampire! Vampire! Vampire!’—three words that would send shivers down the spine of any ship’s captain. This is because ‘vampire’ is the US military’s brevity code for a hostile anti-ship missile. Typically, advanced anti-ship cruise missiles ...www.aspistrategist.org.au
$3.5 billion to accelerate missile strike capabilities for the ADF | Defence Ministers
The Morrison Government has approved the accelerated acquisition of improved weapon capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) at a total cost of $3.5 billion.Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton MP today announced that Defence will accelerate the acquisition of:www.minister.defence.gov.au
Now obviously the RNZN is not the RAN, and some of the suggestions may well be impossible given our limitations, but I was wondering if there anything from this piece that NZ should take on-board.
It just makes sense to utilise weapon systems that can be bought and supplied from an allied nation that is literally "across the ditch" (as opposed to half-way around the world, which would be a greater and riskier proposition eg supply ships could be sunk anywhere within that long supply chain etc).
Of course just as important (as weapons) if not more so is situational awareness, hence ideally NZG would bring forward the post-2030 requirement for long range maritime UAV (and satellite) surveillance systems, commit to the ANZAC Frigate replacement sooner (as advocated by the likes of former DefMin Wayne Mapp in various articles) including the requirement to have fitted the Mk41 VLS again (and illuminators etc) which as well as fitting quad packed Seaceptor for point defence could be supplemented by other longer range missiles that the RAN are also seeking, acquire mobile radar systems (as suggested by Aussie Digger and NgatiMozart last week) etc.
A major issue for NZG's is the amount of expenditure needed (for defence) and the fact that essentially that money is largely spent overseas. We are too small to do many things ourselves unlike the Australians (eg they can afford to undertake major ship building projects or assemble helicopters and aircraft etc), so something else I'd like to see would be better co-operation with the Aussies in terms of supplying Army vehicles and some naval vessel types, which may then see opportunities for NZ manufacturing to be better involved.
(I'd also like to see local NZ shipbuilding again for smaller vessels eg patrol craft and up to OPV size (otherwise partner with Aus to build OPV size vessels), my thinking is with a greater RNZN fleet (as per WW2) it will result in more local manufacturing jobs and tax revenues spent within the country - everything a prudent govt (like the Aus govt for their situation) would want! To make this sustainable though it means increasing the fleet size (and personnel numbers and infrastructure etc) ... I might talk about exactly what and why another time).