Defence Review Consultation Summary of Submissions
Responses to Submissions Form Questions (continued)
Q5: What military capabilities does the Defence Force need to carry out its roles effectively, now and in the future?
General capabilities
Many submissions made general responses to this question that applied to all three Services. While most agreed that the Defence Force should have the capabilities necessary to defend New Zealand and contribute to international peacekeeping operations, more specific comments focussed around five themes as below:
- modernisation of technology/equipment and its application, including weapons, communications, satellite surveillance, and intelligence (32 submissions);
- enhanced combat capability for all three Services, particularly the resumption of an air strike capability and other capabilities that can be applied in a maritime context (73 submissions);
- interoperable capabilities, especially ones complementary to those of Australia and other coalition partners (22 submissions);
- capabilities should be flexible, able to be deployed rapidly, with global projection, and sustainable (74 submissions).
Army capabilities
Sixty three submitters, including many Defence Force personnel, wish to see the Army's capabilities extended through an increase in personnel and Service capacity. Suggestions include more SAS, a third battalion, at least one commando battalion, additional companies, paratroops and a 'Marines' type force. Many of these submitters believe there should be greater focus on developing combat capability in the Army. Some note that participation in operations in locations such as Afghanistan is regarded as a valuable experience for developing capabilities that can be applied in peacekeeping and other Army roles.
Thirty nine submitters comment on transport vehicles to facilitate deployment and mobility. Most that commented on the NZLAVs support this type of armoured vehicle. The addition of some armoured tracked vehicles, armoured four-wheel drives, trucks and various other types of support vehicles is also suggested by some. Equipment was the other area identified in respect of further capability. Fifteen submitters comment on weaponry and wish to see the Army acquire capabilities such as in long range heavy artillery, as well as anti-tank and air defence systems.
Navy capabilities
Greater combat capabilities for the Navy were also recommended in 76 submissions, with many referring to the challenges of securing a large EEZ. These combat capabilities were generally described in terms of blue-water warships with effective defences against surface, air and submarine attack, and the ability to locate and attack submarines and surface vessels. Thirty seven submitters commented specifically on the important role the ANZAC frigates have in the South Pacific and many suggested that the fleet should be expanded to three or four vessels. Some noted that the frigates would need to be replaced within the time span of the Defence Review and recommended that this should be done with larger ships.
Sixty eight submitters supported greater capacity in strategic sea-lift and coastal patrol vessels. Many of these supported the acquisitions associated with Project Protector and many did wanted to see another multi-role vessel (MRV) and additional offshore patrol vessels and inshore patrol vessels. A few submitters commented that such vessels should always be purpose-built, designed especially for New Zealand waters, and carry some level of self-protection.
"The Naval Project Protector Vessels together with HMNZS CANTERBURY and ENDEAVOUR provide a potent assistance package for the region."
"More Naval assets are needed for New Zealand to maintain its commitments in the South Pacific."
Air Force capabilities
Support for the resumption of an air combat capability for the Air Force was one of the most recurring comments in submissions. While 175 submitters to Question 5 supported the resumption of an air strike capability, this was also echoed in response to many of the other questions as well. Air strikes, close air support and maritime interdiction are given as the main benefits of this type of capability. Most submitters preferred to see this capability in the form of multi-role fighters. Other suggestions for acquiring an air strike capability included arming helicopters to be gunships (13 submissions), arming the P3K Orions with missiles and other weapons (8 submissions), and using unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) (28 submissions). UAVs were seen as cost effective, multi-purpose, low risk and able to be armed as well as provide surveillance. If it was not possible for the Defence Force to acquire its own air strike capability then a few submitters suggested some form of collaboration with Australia or the United States would be desirable. As noted previously, examples include New Zealand investing in some of the RAAF strike capability or by providing an air base in New Zealand.
"We seriously need to consider how we could suitably fund reinstating our strike wing capability, ideally with 2 - 3 squadrons of F-16s, this will enable us to inflict a serious amount of damage in a short space of time to a would-be invasion fleet."
Reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities were commented on in 30 submissions. They were seen as important for many maritime functions including EEZ patrol, search and rescue, and essential for an anti-submarine capability. While the P3K Orions were regarded by some as close to the end of their working life, most that commented believed it would be necessary to obtain replacement aircraft that can perform all the functions currently undertaken by the Orions so that the reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities are retained and enhanced. A few also suggested the acquisition of inshore patrol aircraft to relieve the Orions of some of the security-related duties and for other purposes.
Ninety one submitters supported greater strategic and tactical airlift in general, many of whom were Defence Force personnel. Of these, 31 commented specifically on the need to retain a strategic airlift capability with some looking for this to be enhanced with replacements for the C-130 Hercules. Twenty five submitters commented on tactical airlift. While 15 suggested more helicopters for this purpose, another group of nine submitters saw potential in acquiring light fixed-wing aircraft for this and other purposes as well.
