Reports and Publications

• Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
  • Contents
  • Preface by the Minister of Defence
  • Introduction
  • The LTDP and Defence Policy
  • Funding
  • Managing the LTDP
  • Capability Delivered
  • Projects Approved and in Acquisition Phase
  • Projects Approved in Principle by Government
  • Projects Critical to Avoid the Failure of Policy
  • Projects Essential to Avoid the Failure of Policy
  • Projects Necessary to Avoid the Failure of Policy
  • Projects that have Benefit but are Less Critical to Achieving Policy Objectives
  • Projects Previously on the LTDP and Moved to the Defence Capital Programme - Minors

Photo of the Minister of Defence, Hon Phil Goff.

Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(October 2008 Update)

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Preface by the Minister of Defence

I am delighted to release this fourth update of the Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP) which is intended to provide a snapshot as at September 2008 of progress in re-equipping the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). One of the guiding principles of the Government's Defence Policy Framework released in June 2000 was that the NZDF must be equipped and trained for combat as well as peacekeeping. The LTDP, which commenced in 2002, is the Government's blueprint for equipping the NZDF as a combat capable force.

The LTDP provides a ten year planning framework from 2002-2012 which allows decisions on defence acquisitions to be prioritised and taken in the context of the Government's defence policy, and funding envelopes.

Key features of this update include:

• reporting on the major progress in acquiring and introducing into service equipment procured under the LTDP, reflected by the creation of a new category, Capability Delivered;
• the addition of a Network Enabled Capability strategy to guide the management of information technology-based projects on the LTDP; and
• the listing of a new project ‘Night Vision Equipment' which will ensure the NZDF can operate and train more effectively at night or in conditions of reduced light.

The remaining four years of the LTDP will see the introduction into service of a number of significant new capabilities including the Project Protector fleet, NH90 medium utility helicopters and A109 training and light utility helicopters. These sit alongside a series of projects that are well underway, including modifications to the Boeing 757s and upgrades to the C-130 and P-3 fleets, and will join the Army's Light Armoured Vehicles and Light Operational Vehicles, already in service.

Since 1999, the Government has made a substantial investment in Defence. This is underlined by the update of the LTDP which shows that the NZDF is becoming a modernised, effective and deployable force.

The Government is committed to the overall affordability of the LTDP. Defence is working to address the challenges posed by inflation and currency fluctuation to the overall cost of projects. With careful management, the remaining funding will be used to complete priority projects on the LTDP.

Hon Phil Goff
Minister of Defence

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