Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(11 June 2002)
Contents | Previous | Next
Projects Approved In Principle By Government
Light Operational Vehicle (LOV)
Description
- This project provides the Army with a modern, light operational, military vehicle.
Policy Value
- The LOV provides an essential capability to enable the Army to train and to participate in operations in the
South Pacific, Asia-Pacific and globally. LOVs are the primary means of transport used by the Army in
peacekeeping operations and also in peace enforcement operations, including in support of the Light Armoured
Vehicle (LAV). In addition, the LOVs may provide support for evacuation operations in the South Pacific.
Capability Gap
- The Army's military mobility needs are currently met by the obsolete fleet of Land Rovers. The Land Rovers
have reached the end of their economic life.
Links to Other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Light Armoured Vehicle
- Air transport
- Multi-role vessel
- Land intelligence surveillance reconnaissance
- Medium range anti-armour weapon
- Direct fire support weapon (area)
Timing
- Acquisition needs to occur as soon as possible to ensure that the Army can continue to meet the Government's
policy requirements.
Current Status
- The Government has approved in principle (Cab (00) M41/2C(2) dated 11 Dec 00) the acquisition of 308 LOVs
for $60 - $110 million. The Ministers of Defence and Finance have agreed to the Ministry of Defence inviting
tenders for the LOV.
- The Ministry of Defence will shortly seek tenders for the LOV.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost $60 million - $110 million.
Possible Options
- The costs for this project are based on the purchase of a single type of more capable vehicle that could
perform the full range of tasks required. A single type of vehicle would simplify the support and
maintenance required for the LOV fleet, but may not necessarily be the most cost-effective option.
- A second, possibly cheaper, option for the LOV purchase would be a mixed fleet of two or more different
types of vehicles. This would enable a smaller number of more expensive, combat-capable vehicles to be
purchased for more demanding tasks, along with vehicles for non-combat roles. This option would not have
an impact on the NZDF's ability to meet policy objectives.
Multi-Role Vessel (MRV)
Description
- This project involves the purchase of a MRV to provide tactical sealift for the NZDF, to support disaster
relief and peace support operations, to conduct resource protection patrols, to provide diplomatic/military
presence, and for training. The vessel will replace HMNZS Canterbury.
Policy Value
- The MRV would be used in the South Pacific and Asia-Pacific for contributing to peace support operations,
evacuations of personnel during civil emergencies, and disaster relief. A tactical sealift capability, to
off-load people and equipment without access to a port facility will be particularly useful in meeting the
Government's policy objectives in the South Pacific. The MRV will also be able to undertake patrol and
presence operations in New Zealand's EEZ and the South Pacific, and provide the Government with an
additional option for global deployments (or allow the ANZAC frigates to be deployed for global tasks).
The MRV will provide additional berths for sea training purposes.
Capability Gap
- The NZDF has no tactical sealift capability and cannot easily deploy land force personnel and equipment
into areas without port facilities. Tactical sealift vessels cannot be chartered. Without a MRV New Zealand
will continue to rely on the tactical sealift capabilities of our allies and friends in the region for
deploying to peace support operations and evacuating our nationals from trouble spots.
- The MRV, in conjunction with the frigates and the offshore patrol vessels, will provide additional capacity
for tasks such as presence, support to land operations, patrol and disaster relief, and for training.
Links to Other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Light Armoured Vehicle
- Light Operational Vehicle
- Patrol vessels
- NZDF Helicopter capability
- P-3 mission systems upgrade
Timing
- It is intended that the MRV will be brought into service to replace Canterbury when she is retired in 2005.
Current Status
- The Ministry of Defence, in consultation with NZDF and other departments and agencies as appropriate, is
developing functional descriptions of the capabilities required for the MRV for distribution to industry.
Final decisions on fleet composition will be deferred until after proposals from industry have been
evaluated.
Costs
- The total cost of the MRV and patrol vessels is not to exceed $500 million. The cost of the MRV is capped
at US$100 million.
Possible Options
- It may be possible to identify options to reduce the cost of the MRV as the acquisition process progresses
and consultation with industry is able to identify cost savings.
Patrol Vessels
Description
- This project proposes the acquisition of patrol capabilities to meet inshore and offshore requirements for
maritime surface surveillance in New Zealand's EEZ and the South Pacific.
Policy Value
- Patrol vessels are an important element in the surveillance of New Zealand's EEZ and other maritime areas
of interest. They work in conjunction with maritime patrol aircraft to protect our natural resources and
detect and deter maritime transnational crime. Patrol vessels will meet many government agencies' needs,
including the Ministry of Fisheries, the New Zealand Customs Service, the Department of Conservation, the
Police, the Maritime Safety Authority and others. Offshore patrol vessels will also be able to support
maritime counter-terrorism, and provide a presence in the South Pacific to support peace and stability and
help with disaster relief.
Capability Gap
- New Zealand currently has a very limited maritime surface patrol capability, provided by three frigates
(and by 2005, two ANZAC class frigates). The largest gap is in New Zealand's ability to patrol the inshore
zone around New Zealand where the majority of civilian patrol requirements – primarily Ministry of Fisheries
and Customs – are situated. There is also very limited capacity to undertake counter-terrorism operations
at sea.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Multi-Role Vessel
- P-3 mission systems upgrade
- NZDF Helicopter capability
- Special Forces capabilities
Timing
- The introduction into service of patrol vessels will depend upon a number of factors. These include the
Navy's ability to man new vessels, the length of time required to design and build new vessels, and capital
and operating funding constraints.
Current Status
- The Ministry of Defence, in consultation with NZDF and other departments and agencies as appropriate, is
developing functional descriptions of the capabilities required for inshore and offshore patrol for
distribution to industry. Final decisions on fleet composition will be deferred until after proposals from
industry have been evaluated.
Costs
- The total cost of the MRV and patrol vessels is not to exceed $500 million.
Possible Options
- Final decisions on the fleet composition will not be made until proposals from industry have been evaluated.
Top | Previous | Next
