Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(October 2008 Update)
5. Capability Delivered
Boeing 727 Replacement
Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757
Description
- This project replaced the Boeing 727 aircraft with the Boeing 757 aircraft, which have a greater range and payload capacity.
Policy Value
- A strategic air transport capability is a critical enabler for many operations and has a high degree of utility across all of the Government's defence policy objectives.
Capability Gaps
- In addition to the C-130s, New Zealand requires a strategic airlift capability provided by jet transport aircraft. This was previously provided by two Boeing 727 aircraft and is now provided by two Boeing 757 aircraft.
- The capability provides essential air transport for the deployment of NZDF personnel and equipment within New Zealand, to the South Pacific, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and globally.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Boeing 757 Modification
Current Status
- The two Boeing 757 aircraft have been introduced into service. To meet the Government's policy requirements, they are currently being modified in a combination freight/passenger configuration and will be re-introduced into service when completed (see also page 24).
Timing
- The replacement project was completed in 2005.
Costs
- The total purchase price for the Boeing 757 fleet was $108.3 million.
Defence Headquarters Building
Defence Headquarters Building
Description
- This project provides new Wellington headquarters accommodation for the Defence organisations. The building is owned by AMP Capital Investors Ltd. Defence owns the internal fit out.
Policy Value
- The new Defence Building has accommodated the Defence organisations in a modern energy efficient environment.
Capability Gap
- The lease on the former Defence building expired and the Defence organisations were required to relocate.
Current Status
- Staff relocated to the new premises in February 2007.
Timing
- Building construction commenced in August 2004. The fit out was completed in early 2007.
Costs
- The fit out project cost around $22 million. The initial lease term is 18 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $140 million.
Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon
New Zealand Javelin detachment in action in Waiouru
Description
- This project provides protection for New Zealand's land forces from armoured threats.
Policy Value
- The Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon (MRAAW) provides land forces with a medium-range capability against armoured vehicles and other targets. It is a critical part of any contribution to operations where land forces may face an armoured vehicle threat. The MRAAW also has some utility in peacekeeping operations in the Asia-Pacific region and globally for self-protection in the event of an escalation in the threat to ground forces.
Capability Gap
- The Army only had a short-range anti-armour weapon that was limited in range and lethality. New Zealand land forces were very vulnerable to threats from tanks, armoured vehicles or other anti-armour weapons. There was a need for a capability to engage these threats at the greatest distance practicable.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Light Armoured Vehicle
- Light Operational Vehicle
- Direct Fire Support Weapon
- Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
- Night Vision Equipment
Current Status
- A Life Cycle Contractor Support Agreement is under negotiation.
Timing
- Project components including weapons, equipment and ammunition have been delivered and the systems have been introduced into service. Delivery was completed in December 2006.
Costs
- This project cost around $24 million. The estimated life is around 15 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $45 million.
Very Low Level Air Defence Cueing System
Description
- This project involves the purchase of additional equipment to bring the Mistral air defence system up to operational standard.
Policy Value
- An air defence capability is necessary to protect critical land force elements from air threats such as low flying aircraft and armed helicopters.
Capability Gap
- The very low level air defence system acquired in the 1990’s was not fully operational as target detection, identification and tracking relied on visual observation. To be fully effective and minimise risk to friendly aircraft, this project has delivered an auto cueing and identification friend or foe capability.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Light Armoured Vehicles
- Light Operational Vehicles
- Direct Fire Support Weapon
- Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Current Status
- The capability has been introduced into service.
Timing
- Delivery was completed in December 2006.
Costs
- This project cost around $14 million. The estimated life is around 10 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $30 million.
Light Operational Vehicles
Light Operational Vehicle
Description
- This project provides the Army and Special Forces with a modern, light operational, military vehicle.
Policy Value
- The Light Operational Vehicle (LOV) provides an essential capability to enable the Army and Special Forces to train and participate in operations in the South Pacific, the Asia-Pacific region and globally. LOVs are the primary means of transport used by the Army and Special Forces on operations, including in support of the Light Armoured Vehicle. In addition, the LOVs may provide support for evacuation operations in the South Pacific.
Capability Gap
- The LOVs meet the Army’s contemporary and future requirements for a light operational vehicle.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Light Armoured Vehicle
- Multi-Role Vessel
- Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
- Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon
- Direct Fire Support Weapon
- Special Operation Capability
- Night Vision Equipment
Current Status
- 321 (248 non-armoured, 60 armoured, and 13 special operations) Pinzgauer LOVs were delivered from Automotive Technik Ltd (ATL) of the United Kingdom.
- LOVs have been deployed to Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands. LOV special operations variants were deployed as part of the third SAS rotation to Afghanistan.
Timing
- Delivery of the LOVs has been completed.
Costs
- This project cost around $93 million. The estimated life is around 15 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $130 million.
Multi-Role Vessel
|  HMNZS Canterbury |
|---|
Description
- The Multi-Role Vessel (MRV), HMNZS Canterbury, provides a tactical sealift and amphibious capability for the NZDF. The MRV’s design also allows for a strategic sealift capability by way of a port to port capability. The MRV acquisition is part of Project Protector, which also involves the acquisition of two offshore patrol vessels and four inshore patrol vessels.
View Patrol Vessels section in the LTDP
Policy Value
- The MRV will be used primarily in the South Pacific and the Asia-Pacific region for peace support operations, evacuation of personnel during civil emergencies, and disaster relief. A tactical sealift capability to off-load people and equipment both day and night without access to a port facility increases the utility of the MRV.
- The MRV will be able to undertake patrol and presence operations in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone and the South Pacific, and will provide the Government with an additional option for regional commitments such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements and for global deployments. The MRV will provide additional berths for sea training purposes.
Capability Gap
- Previously, the NZDF had no tactical sealift capability nor could it easily deploy land force personnel and their equipment, including helicopter support, into areas without port facilities. Tactical sealift vessels cannot be chartered. The MRV will provide an independent tactical sealift capability, able to deploy to peace support operations; evacuate our nationals from trouble spots; and contribute to regional disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
- In conjunction with the frigates and the offshore patrol vessels, the MRV will also provide additional capacity for tasks such as patrolling, sea training, support to land operations, and defence diplomacy.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Patrol Vessels
- Light Armoured Vehicle
- Light Operational Vehicle
- NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
- P-3 Mission Management, Communication, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
- Night Vision Equipment
Current Status
- The MRV is undergoing its operational release programme. Some issues are being pursued with the contractor.
Timing
- Delivery was completed in mid 2007.
Cost
- The approved project cost for the entire Project Protector fleet is currently $500 million. The estimated life of the MRV is around 25 years. Whole-of-life costs for the MRV are estimated to be around $1.080 billion.
Improvised Explosive Device Disposal
IEDD capability demonstration
Description
- This project provides an enhanced national Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) capability and a credible Improvised Explosive Device Disposal - Chemical, Biological and Radiological (IEDD-CBR) capability.
Policy Value
- An IEDD and IEDD-CBR capability is part of the NZDF's role to counter threats posed by terrorism or acts of sabotage. The NZDF IEDD capability is an essential component of the wider whole-of-government approach to an IEDD or IEDD-CBR emergency, managed by the New Zealand Police. The potential consequences of IEDD incidents range from limited but costly, inconvenience and disruption of activities through to the loss of life.
Capability Gap
- The NZDF’s previous IEDD capability was derived from the skills of Ammunition Technical Officers. These personnel had limited training for extreme circumstances and limited equipment. The types of terrorist threats that now exist require more capable and effective responses.
Links to other Capabilities
- This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
- Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
- Army Engineering Equipment
- Special Operations Capability
Current Status
- Equipment purchased under this project has been delivered and is being introduced into service. A new Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squadron has been formed and is operational.
Timing
- The EOD Squadron Headquarters was officially opened in May 2008. Subordinate troop facilities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are scheduled to be completed in 2008.
Cost
- This project is expected to cost around $22 million. The estimated life is around 10 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $35 million.
