Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(October 2006 Update)
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7. Projects Critical to Avoid the Failure of Policy
Ohakea Base Taxiways Reconstruction
Description
- This project proposes to reconstruct the Ohakea Base Taxiways 'A' and 'C' and their associated hardstandings to keep the airfield fully operational for military and commercial use and to ensure that they meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards for airfields.
Policy Value
- The Government has agreed in principle to vacate Whenuapai and consolidate the RNZAFs operational capability at Ohakea. Ohakea will be the sole operational airfield for the Air Force supporting the operations of the maritime surveillance aircraft, air transport aircraft, helicopters, and flying training aircraft. It will also serve as the primary base for visiting foreign military and government aircraft.
Capability Gap
- The hexagonal block construction of the taxiways is failing due to the heavier aircraft using them. Up to 30 percent of the original slabs in some areas have been replaced in the past but the slabs are now increasingly breaking in an uncontrolled manner.
- The taxiways have now reached a stage where their use by larger aircraft is limited and is problematic for smaller aircraft. In particular, the taxiway is no longer suitable for routine operation of jet transport aircraft. Restrictions on aircraft operations at Ohakea impact on the ability of the Air Force to operate effectively, particularly as the number of aircraft located at the base increases. It also impacts on the Base's ability to handle and accommodate civil aircraft when required as a diversion airfield.
- In addition, the spacing of the taxiways from the cross runway and the taxiway lighting do not currently comply with ICAO standards.
Links to Other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Ohakea Runway Reconstruction (now completed)
- Ohakea Consolidation
- Maritime Helicopter Capability
- 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
- RNZAF Flying Training
Timing
- Reconstruction work needs to be undertaken in advance of the arrival of the NH-90 helicopters.
Current Status
- A study is underway to assess the magnitude of the work required and to determine a design.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost about $25 million. The estimated life is 50, in service through life costs are $22 million, and the total cost of ownership is $46 million.
Joint Communications Modernisation
Description
- This project proposes to modernise the NZDF's long-range and medium-range communications capability to ensure that the NZDF maintains a reliable, integrated, world-wide communications infrastructure.
- The modernisation will support higher data transfer rates and modern communication protocols, with a mix of military and commercial communications services.
Policy Value
- As communication is critical in almost all roles, the modernisation of the communications infrastructure is important in the achievement of defence policy objectives in New Zealand's environs, the South Pacific, the Asia-Pacific region and, potentially, in contributions to global security and peacekeeping. This communications infrastructure will support NZDF deployed forces, ships and aircraft operating outside short-range radio coverage and enable communications between force elements deployed to different parts of a theatre of operations.
Capability Gap
- Current communications systems are Single Service oriented, technologically dated, and comprise ad-hoc and short-term systems. Communications between the Joint Force Headquarters and units deployed or operating beyond short-range radio coverage will not meet requirements, resulting in an inability to exchange information between NZDF units and allies. Deferral of this project will limit the type and timeliness of information that can be exchanged and thus will limit the ability of the NZDF to develop a modern, integrated command control communications and intelligence capability.
Links to Other Capabilities
- Long-range and medium-range communication systems form an essential part of the NZDF communications infrastructure and contribute to all NZDF outputs. This project is dependent on the completion of the Joint Command and Control System project definition study and is linked to the Army Tactical Communications System. Linked projects are:
- Joint Command and Control Systems (JCCS)
- Army Tactical Trunk Communications
- NZDF Satellite Communications Capability
Timing
- This is scheduled for acquisition around 2010.
Current Status
- A study is underway to determine the programme of work required to achieve an integrated communications infrastructure. This study, along with input from the JCCS project, will assist in developing a strategy to implement this project.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost between $40 - $60 million. The estimated life, in service through life costs, and the total cost of ownership are to be confirmed.
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 has links to:
- Joint Command and Control Systems (JCCS)
- Joint Communications Modernisation
- Satellite Communications Capability
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 the JCCS project.
Cost
- This project is expected to cost up to $20 million. The estimated life, in service through life costs, and the total cost of ownership are to be confirmed.
Land Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Tactical C4
Description
- This project proposes to create a land based tactical Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) system (battle group and below) able to exploit the advances in data information exchange. It will acquire a Land ISR capability that will collect and analyse information and tactical C4 system able to provide commanders and subordinates with improved situational awareness, messaging, a common operating picture, collaborative planning tools, fire support measures, and allow joint and coalition interoperability.
Policy Value
- The C4ISR acquisition will result in the establishment of a network-enabled 'systems of systems' that will exploit digital information from a range of sources and consolidate tham under one system to ensure that tactical commanders have the relevant information to make timely and accurate decisions. This system will contribute a fundamental capability as part of all Land Outputs and many Joint outputs.
Capability Gap
- The Army does not have an integrated tactical C2 system at present nor does it have an integrated Land ISR system; although discrete components of both do exist.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Light Armoured Vehicles
- Light Operational Vehicles
- Multi-Role Vessel
- Combat Service Support Vehicles
- General Service Vehicle Fleet Replacement
- Army Tactical Trunk Communications
- Joint Command and Control System
- Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
- Training/Light Utility Helicopter Capability
- P-3 Mission Management, and Communications, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
- Air Defence Upgrades
Timing
- This project is expected to be implemented over a three-year period from 2009/10 - 2011/12.
Current Status
- The Land ISR element of the project is in the initiation phase and the Land C2 element is in the concept development stage.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost approximately $83 million, phased as follows:
- FY 9/10 - $15 million
- FY 10/11 - $24 million
- FY 11/12 - $44 million
- The estimated life is 10 years, in service through life costs are $33 million, and the total cost of ownership is $116 million.
Replacement of Devonport Naval Base 60hz Power Generation and Reticulation
Description
- This project will upgrade the current 60 hertz (Hz) power generation and reticulation system at Devonport Naval Base.
Policy Value
- All RNZN ships are equipped with an onboard capacity to generate 60Hz power. When berthed, however, it is highly desirable for this power to be generated independently using a shore-based system. Not proceeding with the upgrade of the 60Hz power generation and reticulation system at Devonport Naval Base would make it very difficult for the Navy to maintain its current fleet at the level required to meet the Government's defence policy objectives. The risk of policy failure will increase as the Project Protector vessels enter into service from 2007 onwards.
Capability Gap
- The Devonport Naval Base is currently equipped with a generation and reticulation system that converts 50Hz power supplied from the national grid to 60Hz. But the infrastructure is old and is unable to support the existing fleet. Each ANZAC frigate, for example, consumes half the total output. Temporary generating capacity is therefore hired, at considerable cost, whenever a high proportion of the fleet is berthed at Devonport. This has, however, become increasingly problematic as the permanent system deteriorates and outages become more frequent. Managing this shortfall will become even more difficult once the Project Protector vessels come online.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Multi-Role Vessel
- Patrol Vessels
- ANZAC Class Self Defence Upgrade
- ANZAC Class Platform Systems Refurbishment
Timing
- This project is intended to proceed as soon as possible and will be completed within a year of commencement.
Current Status
- The project is ready to go to Cabinet.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost between $10 - $15 million. The estimated life, in service through life costs, and the total cost of ownership are to be confirmed.
Replacement of Devonport Naval Base Fuel Installation Facilities
Description
- This project will rationalise and modernise the fuel installation (storage, defueling and bilge cleaning capabilities) at Devonport Naval Base.
Policy Value
- The Naval Fuel Installation (NFI) provides an essential strategic fuel storage capability to enable the Navy to condition and distribute the correct fuel. This will have added significance following the delivery of the Project Protector vessels.
Capability Gap
- Existing facilities are inadequate, do not allow provision of a contingency reserve stock (CRS), and there is currently an inability to store fuels unloaded from ships undergoing maintenance.
- Following the decommissioning of the fuel bunker tunnels, the Navy's fuelling arrangements have been undertaken through a commercial supply and waste product disposal contract, or by utilising the tanker HMNZS Endeavour (when available). This leaves the Navy susceptible to the vagaries of commercial delivery and does not allow for holding and control of a CRS or operational stock.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Multi-Role Vessel
- Patrol Vessels
- Afloat Replenishment
- ANZAC Class Self Defence Upgrade
- ANZAC Class Platform Systems Refurbishment
Timing
- This project is intended to proceed as soon as possible and will be completed within a year of commencement.
Current Status
- The project will go to Cabinet shortly.
Costs
- This project is expected to cost up to $20 million. The estimated life is 50 years, in service through life costs are $11 million, and the total cost of ownership is $4 million.
Advanced Pilot Training Capability (B200 Replacement)
Description
- This project proposes to maintain the ability to conduct advanced pilot training after the expiry of the present B200 King Air lease in 2008. Outsourcing, leasing and purchase options are being examined.
Policy Value
- RNZAF pilot training is a core enabling capability that underlies all other NZDF capabilities reliant on trained pilots. The Advanced Pilot Training capability is critical to the NZDF being able to graduate pilots for Air Force and Navy with the skills needed for transition to the operational aircraft of the NZDF. The B200 King Air provides a multi-engine platform that bridges the skill gap, aircraft performance and cockpit technology between the basic CT4E Airtrainer aircraft and the larger, more complex, aircraft of the NZDF.
Capability Gap
- With the present and projected structure of the Air Force and Navy fleets now defined by other projects, there is an enduring requirement for a multi-engined advanced pilot training. Recently approved aircraft modification and purchase projects have also generated a requirement for training on high technology flight systems. The capability includes a requirement for a flight simulator.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- P-3 Mission Management, and Communications, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
- C-130 Life Extension
- Boeing 727 Replacement / Boeing 757 Modification
- NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
- NZDF Training/Light Utility Helicopter
- Maritime Helicopter Capability
Timing
- The present B200 King Air lease expires in June 2008. To avoid a gap in the throughput of NZDF trainee pilots, approval of the selected option will be required from the Government in time to implement the solution before the end of lease. In the case of a procurement option this will need to be approved prior to the end of 2006.
Current Status
- Preliminary work is underway to scope the options.
Costs
- This will be dependant on the options identified.
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