NZ | Military Thread

[Kane007]

Ok, couldn't find the original so decided to start it a fresh.

$1b of new hardware on military wishlist

The Defence Force has unveiled an ambitious $1 billion shopping list for more ships, planes, a new fleet of armoured trucks and new weapons over the next decade.


TROOP MOVER: The Airbus A400M, one of the planes being considered to replace the C130s, is on the Defence Force's wishlist.

The proposals could add $1 billion to the extra $1.3 billion committed to new military hardware under the 2002-2012 long-term defence plan.

Most of that has or is being spent on new ships, helicopters, aircraft upgrades and army equipment ordered or due to come into service in the next five years.

But tentative plans for more expensive acquisitions - beyond what has already been approved - were outlined at a Defence Industry forum in Wellington.

But Defence Minister Phil Goff says the Government is yet to commit to the plan.

The navy, which will have seven new ships by next year and is also getting $500 million to upgrade its two Anzac frigates, has signalled it needs to replace its tanker, the Endeavour and the Manawanui dive support ship by about 2016.

The air force wants to buy a new fleet of transport aircraft to replace its old C-130 Hercules in about 10 years time.

Defence sources suggest new aircraft could cost between $500 million and $1 billion.

That is on top of the $900 million being spent on new helicopters, $400 million on modernising the P3 Orion patrol aircraft and the estimated $330 million to be spent on Ohakea air base.

The army has begun planning to replace its trucks at an estimated $500 million.

Drawing on the experience of forces now operating in Afghanistan army planners say its new trucks will need to be fitted with armoured cabs.

The army has a long list of "minor" projects under way including the purchase of grenade machine guns to give the infantry more firepower, replace its light machine guns, upgrade its standard-issue Steyr infantry rifles and purchase combat shotguns.

It is also planning to equip its infantry with unmanned aerial vehicles - small aircraft fitted with cameras and other sensors.

Assistant chief of general staff Phil Collett added that the army was also working on a "soldier modernisation programme" to give all soldiers world class clothing, packs, personal protection, night vision and communication equipment.

A sophisticated $83 million intelligence, reconnaissance and communications system - designed to give commanders and troops much more information about their location, the position of other forces and likely threats - is also on the army's shopping list in the next five years.

Assistant chief of navy Captain Fred Keating outlined the navy's plans for upgrading its two frigates. They are presently being fitted with new mini-Typhoon automatic guns to give them protection against fast inshore attack craft.

Its Phalanx gatling guns, designed as a last line of defence against missile attack, are also being upgraded and modified at a cost of $25 million to enable them to hit surface targets.

From 2012 the navy is set to begin a $434 million programme to upgrade combat systems on the ships.

[metroman]

Thanks Kane, it's just a mater of time before they start getting an aircombat capability. It is a start, but as I have discussed earlier a military union with Australia would be a very sensible move.

[KIWIKAAS]

^
I wouldnt hold my breath for a return of an air combat unit.

[Classic Man]

Our millitary is a disgrace.

[KIWIKAAS]

why?

[Classic Man]

Because our equipment is all outdated. It's so old that they probably sell them in antique stores in America. We don't take part in enough wars either, we need to make sure our troops see more combat.

[KIWIKAAS]

Oh goodness.
I suppose we could invade Tonga for practice

[metroman]

Why not we invaded Samoa in 1915?

[Neitzsche]

Originally Posted by Classic Man

Our millitary is a disgrace.

Another beauty. Hardware aside the NZ military is a highly professional and exceptionally well trained force with deservedly high regard internationally. Whilst I'm for targeted increases in military expenditure exactly what kind of force do you suggest a nation with a whopping 4 million to field?

[metroman]

From what I have read it is a little better than it has been. There is no doubt that there will be a major rethink in regards to defence spending in the next decade. As the cold war between China and the U.S. esculates, it is going to be necessary.

[MonsieurAquilone]

We have quite an importance around the Antarctic, we could claim the entire continent as our own, put a giant nuclear weapon's facility on Scott Base and wary every other nation on Earth shall be, muhahahaha

[Svartmetall]

Originally Posted by Classic Man

Because our equipment is all outdated. It's so old that they probably sell them in antique stores in America. We don't take part in enough wars either, we need to make sure our troops see more combat.

Coining some corkers for such a new member aren't you?!

#1. I'm ashamed of my nation for getting involved in a war that it didn't need to.
#2. Kudos to the Kiwis for only having a peacekeeping force. Far better resembles what NZ stands for.

[KIWIKAAS]

Bit of a far cry from when the Skyhawks used to streak over

[GoluBoy]

They should buy at least two C-17's as well.Production of these is due to stop in 2009.Maybe the Govt might be lucky enuff to secure a good deal on an "end of line" order.

[Classic Man]

We need a bigger and better army. We should make sure New Zealand is a country that people don't fuck with. We should have sent some troops to the Pitcairn Islands to deal with the 'funny business' that goes on there!

[Kane007]

Haha Classic man - I'm guessing your the type of guy who would use a flame thrower to kill a vampire when a wooden stack would have sufficed.

[Classic Man]

Why use a flamethrower when you can use cluster bombs, or better yet, tactical nukes?

[Kane007]

Upping the ante ah! I'll see your tactical nukes with high yield (20MT) Strategic nukes .

[Brizzy-Mike]

What happened to holy water pistols?

[Kane007]

The only way to be absolutely sure is to drop a 500 megaton asteroid on them - Extinction Event! Could use one on Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan - the PC way of getting rid of any and all problems .