Current Acquisition Projects
ANZAC Ships Upgrade Close-In Weapons System (CIWS)
Client: Royal New Zealand Navy
This project proposes to upgrade the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) which provides a last line of defence and protection from Anti-Ship Missiles (ASM) and strike aircraft. It also has the potential to provide an effective defence against Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC).
In order to meet policy objectives, the ANZAC class frigates must be capable of operating in environments where there is a risk of attack from ASM and FIAC. To be able to operate in such environments without undue risk or constraint, the frigates must be equipped with a level of self-defence against such threats. The CIWS provides a substantial proportion of this self-defence capability.
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Boeing 757 Acquisition/Modification
Client: Royal New Zealand Air Force
The Ministry of Defence acquired two B757-200 as replacement aircraft for the Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) two ageing Boeing 727-100 QC airframes. The two aircraft were introduced to service with the RNZAF in June 2003.
As part of the acquisition process aircraft are to be modified to meet the New Zealand Defence Force's capability requirements on a programme based around Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) approved Supplementary Type Certificate (STC) modifications. The modifications include, but are not limited to: the installation of a cargo door; internal access air stairs; internal aircrew access ladder; RB211-535-E4B engine thrust increase; and upgraded residual civil Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) and military communications capabilities.
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C-130 Life Extension
Client: Royal New Zealand Air Force
Life extension programme for the five C-130H Hercules aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The scope of the project is the replacement of specific mechanical, avionic, and structural components, and the design and installation of flight deck communications and navigation improvements to meet evolving air traffic management regulations.
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Helicopter Capability
Client: Royal New Zealand Air Force
This project proposes to replace the Iroquois utility and Sioux training helicopters with a capability that meets the New Zealand Defence Force's contemporary needs.
TNZA (NH90) Medium Utility Helicopter
To acquire a Medium Utility Helicopter to replace the Iroquois utility helicopter with a capability that meets the New Zealand Defence Force's contemporary needs.
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Helicopter Capability Agusta-Westland A109 LUH (NZ) Training\Light Utility Helicopter
To acquire a Training/Light Utility Helicopter to replace the Sioux helicopter with a capability that meets the New Zealand Defence Force's contemporary needs.
Light Operational Vehicle
Client: New Zealand Army
To acquire a range of light operational vehicles (LOV) to meet the New Zealand Army's motorisation requirements. These include:
Military vehicles (MV). The MV fleet will consist of 321 vehicles in six variants to fulfil a new mobility requirement to operate in concert with, and to support the light armoured vehicle. The MV fleet will consist of:
- 13 special operations variants
- 122 command and control variants
- 95 general service variants
- 68 crew served weapon carrier variants
- 15 shelter carrier variants
- 8 ambulance variants.
Of these, 23 command and control, and 37 crew served weapon variants will have armour protection.
The existing Landrover fleet will be progressively withdrawn from service as the MV enters service.
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Medium Range Anti-armour Weapon
Client: New Zealand Army
This objective of this project is to procure a medium range anti-armour weapon. The weapon selected is the Javelin missile, manufactured by Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Joint Venture.
The medium range anti-armour weapon requirement can only be effectively met with the Javelin missile, procured from the US Government. The project is therefore proceeding as a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procurement.
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P-3 Systems Upgrade
Client: Royal New Zealand Air Force
The mission systems and the communication and navigation systems on the six P-3K Orion aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force are to be upgraded. The scope of this project includes the replacement of the data management, sensor, communications and navigation systems, and the provision of associated ground systems.
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Project Protector
Client: Royal New Zealand Navy
To acquire a Multi-Role Vessel (MRV), and Offshore and Inshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs and IPVs), to be operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy to conduct tasks for and with New Zealand Customs, the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Fisheries, Maritime Safety Authority of New Zealand & New Zealand Police.
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Very Low Level Air Defence
Client: New Zealand Army
The objective of this project is to procure an alerting and cueing system for the Mistral very low level air defence system (VLLADS) already procured and in-service with the New Zealand Army. This cueing system is known as VLLADS alerting and cueing system (VACS).
The VACS is a system comprising radar, command post (with automated command and control), terminals at each Mistral launcher, and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) at each launcher.

