Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(November 2004 Update)
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Projects necessary to provide a well-equipped land force
Land Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR)
Description
- This project proposes to equip the Army with an improved land Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance
(ISR) capability.
Policy Value
- An improved land ISR capability will provide land forces with the ability to detect threats at greater
distances and with greater certainty. An improved land ISR capability is an important element in operations
where land forces face a demanding threat environment and need to know what is happening around them.
Capability Gap
- Land forces require integral capabilities to identify personnel and vehicles, both static and moving.
Current ISR capabilities are limited to foot, vehicle and motorcycle patrols and include night vision and
some ground sensors. A significantly larger area, up to 100 by 60 square kilometres, will need to be
observed when the LAV is introduced into service.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Special Operations Capability
- Light Operational Vehicle
- Light Armoured Vehicle
- P-3 Upgrade
- NZDF Helicopter Capability
Timing
- Implementation is expected in 2006 - 2007.
Current Status
- Preliminary work has been completed to determine how the land ISR needs fit within the broader NZDF ISR
requirements. Work will now commence on developing options to meet specific land ISR requirements.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost $25 million - $52 million.
Combat Service Support Vehicles
Description
- This project proposes to provide additional combat service support vehicles and associated equipment to
support the LAV. LAV support vehicles include fuel, water and bulk-handling equipment (moving
containers/pallets over rough terrain).
Policy Value
- Combat service support vehicles are a critical enabler for the LAVs. They sustain and resupply the LAVs
with fuel, personnel and spares and provide maintenance support. They have utility in meeting policy
objectives in peace support operations in the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
Capability Gap
- The introduction of the LAV has created an additional requirement for combat service support vehicles
beyond the Army’s current capabilities.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Light Armoured Vehicle
- Light Operational Vehicle
- Multi-Role Vessel
- General Service Vehicle Fleet Replacement
Timing
- The introduction into service of the additional combat service support capabilities is expected in
2005/2006.
Current Status
- Options are being developed for government consideration mid-2005.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost $10 million.
Army Tactical Trunk Communications
Description
- This project proposes to replace and/or upgrade existing Army short-range communications systems to provide
a high bandwidth (high capacity) digital theatre communication system to support command and control
requirements of the NZDF Battalion Group operations.
Policy Value
- The Army Tactical Trunk Communications system will provide an enhanced capability to exercise command and
control over an NZDF battalion group, as well as communicate with allied forces. It forms an important
component of any battalion group deployment, particularly in peace enforcement operations where good
command, control and communications enhance the safety and effectiveness of land forces.
Capability Gap
- Current Army tactical trunk communications systems are voice oriented, technologically old, and are
comprised of ad hoc and short-term systems. This limits the Army’s ability to exchange information between
deployed Army sub-units. An upgraded system would provide short-range communications that interface between
medium/long range communications and the tactical units. This system needs to be military specification
equipment.
Links to Other Capabilities
- The Army tactical trunk communications system will need to be interoperable with other NZDF communications
systems and the Joint Command and Control System.
Timing
- This capability needs to be implemented following the outcome of the JCCS project and on completion of a
separate study to determine the work required to achieve an integrated communications infrastructure.
Current Status
- Awaiting decisions on JCCS.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost up to $10 million.
Army In-Service Weapon Replacement
Description
- This project proposes to replace the following in-service weapons when they become due for replacement
around 2007-2009:
- 1000 C9 light machine guns
- Special Forces miscellaneous weapons
- Carl Gustav light anti-armour weapons
Policy Value
- The above small arms are integral to the full range of land force operations and have applications in a
host of policy roles.
Capability Gap
- Current weapons are serviceable but will require replacement around 2007–2009.
Timing
- The weapons do not require replacement until 2007-2009.
Current Status
- No action required at this stage.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost around $8 million.
General Service Vehicle Fleet Replacement
Description
- This project proposes to replace the Army’s general service vehicle fleet including medium and heavy
vehicles, trailers and mechanical handling equipment.
Policy Value
- The general service fleet is a critical enabler for land force operations. This fleet sustains and
resupplys forces with fuel, ammunition, rations, personnel and spares and provides maintenance support.
The fleet has utility in meeting a wide range of policy objectives.
Capability Gap
- The current fleet of general service vehicles and trailers are approaching the end of their economic life
and will require replacement.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Light Armoured Vehicle
- Light Operational Vehicle
- Multi-Role Vessel
- Combat Service Support Vehicles
Timing
- The bulk of the general service fleet will need to be replaced from around 2010.
Current Status
- The NZDF is investigating possible collaborative opportunities with the Australian Overlander project,
which aims to replace a range of general service vehicles and trailers.
Costs
- The total cost of this project has yet to be determined.
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