Reports and Publications

• Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
  • Contents
  • Preface by the Minister of Defence
  • 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 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

Within this section

• Joint Command and Control System
• NZDF Training/Light Utility Helicopter Capability
• Ohakea Consolidation

Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(October 2006 Update)

Contents | Previous | Next

6. Projects approved in principle by Government

Joint Command and Control System

Description

1. This project is designed to implement an automated command and control system for the NZDF. This information technology (IT) based system will collect, collate, process, display, store, disseminate and protect command and control information in near real-time.

Policy Value

2. A Joint Command and Control System (JCCS) is an enabling capability for all of the policy roles and tasks required of the NZDF. A JCCS enables elements from all three services to work together efficiently and effectively by enhancing decision-making processes.

Capability Gap

3. The NZDF's current command and control systems are largely manual and paper based. Experience in recent operations and exercises has shown that the NZDF system is dated and inefficient. This has impacted on the effectiveness of the Joint Force Headquarters. The slower and less accurate decision making cycle currently available to commanders is likely to lead to policy failure as it becomes increasingly difficult for the NZDF to plan operations and effectively coordinate its own operations.

Links to Other Capabilities

4. The JCCS is an overarching capability that contributes to all NZDF outputs. While the JCCS will give the NZDF the ability to manage command and control information, the project does not provide the ability to communicate data. The JCCS will therefore depend on a suitable communications infrastructure. Linked projects are:
   • Joint Communication Modernisation
   • Army Tactical Trunk Communications
   • Land ISR
   • P-3 Mission Systems Upgrade
   • Satellite Communications Capability

Timing

5. An Invitation to Register is likely to be released in the first half of 2007.

Current Status

6. The acquisition strategy for the project is currently being established.

Costs

7. This project is expected to cost between $20 - $40 million. The estimated life, in service through life costs, and the total cost of ownership are to be confirmed.

NZDF Training/Light Utility Helicopter Capability

Description

8. This project will replace the Sioux training helicopters with a capability that meets the NZDF's training and light utility needs.

Policy Value

9. A training helicopter is critical to providing a transition for pilots and crew to the NH90 medium utility helicopters and the Navy's Seasprites. Light utility helicopters are important for supporting a range of government and civil agencies in New Zealand.

Capability Gap

10. The Sioux training helicopter is of 1950s vintage and is inadequate to meet training needs. It does not provide an adequate step in pilot training progression from the Airtrainer aircraft to operational utility and maritime helicopters and provides no light utility capability.

Links to other Capabilities

11. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter
    • Special Operations Capabilities
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • Army Capabilities

Timing

12. There is some urgency to replace the Sioux training helicopter, which is expected to occur during 2008.

Current Status

13. Cabinet will make decisions in 2006 on the training/light utility helicopter.

Costs

14. The training/light utility helicopter is estimated to cost about $110 million. The estimated life, in service through life costs, and the total cost of ownership are to be confirmed.

Ohakea Consolidation

Description

15. This project will consolidate the RNZAF's operational capability at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

Policy Value

16. The consolidation will be a core enabler for all RNZAF operations.

Capability Gap

17. Ohakea will require extensive improvements to existing infrastructure and additional buildings to accommodate the personnel and functions transferring from Whenuapai. Units transferring to Ohakea include No 40 Squadron (Fixed Wing Transport Force), No 5 Squadron (Maritime Patrol Force) No 485 Wing (command of force elements), Naval Support Flight (naval helicopters), Operational Support Squadron, and a range of technical and administrative support units and elements.

Links to Other Capabilities

18. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
    • NZDF Training/Light Utility Helicopter Capability
    • P-3 Mission Management, and Communications, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
    • C-130 Life Extension
    • Boeing 727 Replacement / Boeing 757 Modification

Timing

19. This is yet to be finally determined.

Current Status

20. A prime project management consultant has just been appointed for the infrastructure development project. The consultant will assist in developing a more refined cost and time estimate for the preferred infrastructure development option to be submitted in early 2007.

Costs

21. The project cost is yet to be determined. The estimated life is 50 years, in service through life costs are $330 million, and the total cost of ownership is $750 million.

Top | Previous | Next