Reports and Publications

• Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
  • Contents
  • Introduction
  • The Long-Term Development Plan and Defence Policy
  • Funding
  • Managing the LTDP
  • Projects Approved and in Acquisition Phase
  • Projects Approved in Principle by Government
  • Projects Necessary to Avoid the Failure of Policy
  • Projects Necessary to Provide a Well-Equipped Land Force
  • Projects Necessary to Avoid Significant Risks to Policy
  • Projects that have Benefit but are Less Critical to Achieving Policy Objectives

Within this section

• Boeing 727 Replacement
• Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon
• Very Low Level Air Defence Cueing
• Light Operational Vehicle
• Multi-Role Vessel
• Patrol Vessels
• Special Operations Capability
• P-3 Mission Systems Upgrade
• P-3 Communications and Navigation Systems Upgrade
• New Defence Headquarters Building

Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(November 2004 Update)

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Projects approved and in Acquisition phase

Boeing 727 Replacement

Description

1. This project replaced the Boeing 727 aircraft with Boeing 757 aircraft with greater range and payload capacity. A modification programme, including freight capability, engine enhancements and upgraded communications and navigation equipment, will configure the aircraft to meet the strategic airlift capability required by the NZDF.

Policy Value

2. In addition to the C-130s, New Zealand requires a strategic airlift capability provided by jet transport aircraft. This was previously provided by two Boeing 727 aircraft. Strategic airlift is an enabler for the same roles and tasks as the C-130, particularly the deployment and sustainment of NZDF forces on overseas deployments and the evacuation of New Zealand citizens.

Capability Gaps

3. For some cargo tasks the Boeing 757 aircraft provides greater flexibility and economy.
4. The conversion of the Boeing 757 aircraft for cargo, while still maintaining the ability to accommodate and carry passengers, will provide the NZDF with the required level of capability to meet fixed wing transport requirements.

Links to other Capabilities

5. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
   • C-130 Life Extension
   • Deployment of other NZDF capabilities

Timing

6. Project expected to be complete mid-2006.

Current Status

7. On 18 November 2002 Cabinet agreed to purchase two Boeing 757 aircraft, including necessary modifications, and authorised the Ministry of Defence to proceed with the acquisition process. The two Boeing 757 aircraft, purchased in a passenger configuration, have been in service since mid-2003. Modifications necessary to meet the full capability requirements, are scheduled to be completed by mid-2006.

Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon

Description

8. This project proposes to provide protection for our land forces from armoured threats.

Policy Value

9. The Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon (MRAAW) provides land forces with a medium-range capability against armoured vehicles and other targets. It is a critical part of any contribution to peace enforcement operations where land forces may face an armoured vehicle threat. The MRAAW also has some utility in peacekeeping operations in the Asia-Pacific region and globally for self-protection in the event of an escalation in the threat to ground forces.

Capability Gap

10. New Zealand land forces are currently very vulnerable to threats from tanks, armoured vehicles or anti-armour weapons. There is a need for a capability to engage these threats at the greatest distance practicable.
11. The Army currently has a short-range anti-armour weapon. It is, however, limited in range and lethality. A medium-range anti-armour weapon is required to defeat threats at a greater range (2,300 metres) than the current weapon.

Links to other Capabilities

12. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Light Armoured Vehicle
    • Light Operational Vehicle
    • Direct Fire Support Weapon
    • Land Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance

Timing

13. Delivery is expected mid-2006.

Current Status

14. Orders have been placed, through the United States Foreign Military Sales (FMS), for the purchase of Javelin missiles and associated support equipment.

Very Low Level Air Defence Cueing

Description

15. This project proposes to purchase additional equipment to bring the Mistral air defence system up to operational standard.

Policy Value

16. An air defence capability is necessary to protect critical land force elements from air threats such as low flying aircraft and armed helicopters.

Capability Gap

17. The current system is not fully operational. Target detection, identification and tracking rely on visual observation. To be fully effective and minimise risk to friendly aircraft, the system requires improved radar detection and an auto target cueing and identification friend or foe (IFF) capability.

Timing

18. Delivery is expected mid-2006.

Current Status

19. A contract has been signed with Indra of Spain for the supply of radar systems, and a separate contract has been entered into with Thales France for the supply of the IFF equipment.

Light Operational Vehicle (LOV)

Description

20. This project provides the Army and Special Forces with a modern, light operational, military vehicle.

Policy Value

21. The LOV provides an essential capability to enable the Army and Special Forces to train and to participate in operations in the South Pacific, Asia-Pacific region and globally. LOVs are the primary means of transport used by the Army and Special Forces in peacekeeping operations and also in peace enforcement operations, including in support of the light armoured vehicle. In addition, the LOVs may provide support for evacuation operations in the South Pacific.

Capability Gap

22. Part of 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

23. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Light Armoured Vehicle
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • Land Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance
    • Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon
    • Direct Fire Support Weapon – (Area)

Timing

24. The project will be completed in the first half of 2006.

Current Status

25. A contract was signed with Automotive Technik Ltd in 2004 for the supply of 321 Pinzgauer vehicles. Deliveries have commenced with acceptance of the first of the vehicles, by the Ministry of Defence, being achieved on 7 October 2004.

Multi-Role Vessel

Description

26. This project involves the purchase of a Multi-Role Vessel (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

27. The MRV will be used in the South Pacific and Asia-Pacific region for contributing to peace support operations, evacuation 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

28. 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.
29. The MRV, in conjunction with the frigates and the offshore patrol vessels, will provide additional capacity for tasks such as defence diplomacy, support to land operations, patrol and disaster relief, and for training.

Links to Other Capabilities

30. 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

31. Delivery is expected by the end of 2006.

Current Status

32. A contract has been signed with Tenix Defence Pty Ltd for the supply of the MRV.

Patrol Vessels

Description

33. This project proposes the acquisition of patrol vessels to meet inshore and offshore requirements for maritime surface surveillance in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the South Pacific.

Policy Value

34. 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 threats. 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

35. 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, (which are primarily overseen by the Ministry of Fisheries and Customs) are situated. There is also very limited capacity to undertake counter-terrorism operations at sea.

Links to other Capabilities

36. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • P-3 Mission Systems Upgrade
    • NZDF Helicopter Capability
    • Special Operations Capabilities

Timing

37. Deliveries are expected during 2006 – 2007.

Current Status

38. A contract has been signed with Tenix Defence Pty Ltd for the supply of two offshore and four inshore patrol vessels.

Special Operations Capability

Description

39. This project will provide Special Forces with equipment to undertake special operations.

Policy Value

40. Army special operations capabilities have utility in meeting a range of the Government’s defence policy objectives and also in supporting policing operations in New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Links to Other Capabilities

41. This project has links to the following capabilities:
    • Light Operational Vehicle (Special Forces variant)
    • Land Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance
    • NZDF Helicopter Capability
    • C-130 Life Extension

Current Status

42. The Army has commenced purchase of the equipment.

P-3 Mission Systems Upgrade

Description

43. This project proposes to upgrade the sensors and mission management systems required for the P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft to conduct surface surveillance tasks.

Policy Value

44. The capability provided by the P-3 is central to meeting a broad range of civilian roles and tasks and for many functions required of the NZDF across the range of the Government’s five defence policy objectives. The P-3 undertakes surveillance of New Zealand’s EEZ and the Southern Ocean, meets our South Pacific search and rescue obligations, and provides surveillance assistance to South Pacific nations. The P-3 has a high utility for a wide range of civilian and military operations. It is one of the primary force elements contributing to our defence relationships with Australia and Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) partners.

Capability Gap

45. The obsolescent mission systems onboard the P-3 are limiting availability for surveillance flights and other missions due to repeated equipment failures. Without an upgrade, the Government may be faced with policy failure in meeting its objectives for EEZ and Southern Ocean surveillance and assisting South Pacific countries with surveillance of their EEZs. The Government would also have difficulty meeting commitments to Australia and the FPDA.

Associated Projects

46. The P-3 communications and navigation systems also need to be upgraded to address equipment obsolescence, meet operational requirements, and comply with evolving international air traffic regulations. The requirements for this project are covered in the following project sheet.
47. The P-3 lacks self-protection capability against man-portable, infrared missiles. This deficiency is also addressed in a separate project.

Links to other Capabilities

48. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Patrol Vessels
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • Land Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance
    • Joint Command and Control System
    • NZDF Torpedo Replacement
    • Anti-Ship Missile
    • P-3 Self-Protection
    • P-3 Communications and Navigation Systems Upgrade
    • ANZAC frigates

Timing

49. The first upgraded aircraft is expected to be in service in 2008, with fleet modernisation complete in 2010.

Current Status

50. A contract has been signed with L-3 Communications Integrated Systems for the upgrade of the P-3 Orion’s mission systems.

P-3 Communications and Navigation Systems Upgrade

Description

50. This project involves the upgrade of the P-3 communications and navigation systems to address equipment obsolescence, meet operational requirements and comply with evolving international air traffic regulations. This project has been separated from the previous combined C-130/P-3 Communications and Navigation Systems Upgrade project due to the differing requirements of the P-3 and C-130.

Policy Value

52. The capability provided by the P-3 is central to meeting a broad range of civilian roles and tasks and for many functions required of the NZDF across the range of the Government’s five defence policy objectives. The P-3 undertakes surveillance of New Zealand’s EEZ and the Southern Ocean, meets our South Pacific search and rescue obligations and provides surveillance assistance to South Pacific nations. The P-3 has a high utility for peace support operations, particularly peace enforcement, both regionally and globally. It is one of the primary force elements contributing to our defence relationships with Australia and FPDA partners.

Capability Gap

53. The global air traffic system is being progressively upgraded to increase system capacity and improve flight efficiency within required flight safety standards. This upgrade is designed to enable greater use of automated systems, with less reliance on human input and ground-based systems.
54. The P-3s have systems designed for an earlier generation. They are not compliant with the new air traffic regulations. They also have limited ability to exchange operational information and will not adequately interface with modernised NZDF and defence partner capabilities. Without upgrading the P-3 communication and navigation systems, the Government will be faced with policy failure in meeting its objectives relating to aerial surveillance.

Links to Other Capabilities

55. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • P-3 Mission Systems Upgrade
    • P-3 Self-Protection

Timing

56. The first upgraded aircraft is expected to be in service in 2008, with fleet modernisation complete in 2010.

Current Status

57. A contract has been signed with L-3 Communications Integrated Systems for the upgrade of the P-3 Orion’s communication and navigation systems.

New Defence Headquarters Building

Description

58. The Chief of Defence Force (CDF) on behalf of the NZDF, Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), has negotiated development and lease agreements with Capital Properties Limited, for the construction of a 18300m2 commercial standing office building, modified to accommodate tenant specific requirements. The NZDF, in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence and the NZSIS is to fund tenant specific requirements for the building and fit out.

Policy Value

59. The new Defence Building will accommodate NZDF strategic headquarters and the Ministry of Defence in modern accommodation.

Capability Gap

60. The lease on the current Defence accommodation will expire in March 2006, and the NZDF, the Ministry of Defence and the NZSIS are required to relocate.

Other Links

61. The new Defence Building is linked to the Review of Accountabilities and Structural Arrangements between the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force (RASA).

Timing

62. The relocation to the new leased accommodation will be completed by February 2007.

Current Status

63. Approval has been given by Cabinet to proceed with the signature of development and lease agreements with Capital Properties Limited.

Costs

64. The estimated cost to the NZDF of fitting out the new building is $15 million.

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