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

Within this section:

• Boeing 757 Modification
• Patrol Vessels
• Special Operations Capability
• P-3 Mission Management, Communication, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
• C-130 Life Extension
• NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
• Ohakea Essential Infrastructure Programme
• Ohakea Base Taxiways Reconstruction
• Replacement of Devonport Naval Base 60Hz Power Generation and Reticulation
• Replacement of Devonport Naval Base Fuel Installation Facilities
• C-130 Self-Protection
• ANZAC Class Close-In Weapon System Upgrade and Refurbishment
• NZDF Training/Light Utility Helicopter Capability
• Night Vision Equipment

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

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6. Projects Approved and in Acquisition Phase

Boeing 757 Modification

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757

Description

1. This project is a modification programme that includes freight capability, engine enhancements and upgraded communication and navigation equipment to configure the aircraft to meet the strategic airlift capability required by the NZDF.

Policy Value

2. An effective 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. 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.
3. To meet the Government's policy requirements, two Boeing 757 aircraft in a combination freight/passenger configuration are required.

Capability Gaps

4. In addition to the C-130s, New Zealand requires a strategic airlift capability provided by two Boeing 757 aircraft. Strategic airlift is a critical enabler for the NZDF and complements roles and tasks provided by the C-130, particularly the deployment and sustainment of NZDF forces on overseas deployments and the evacuation of New Zealand citizens.

Links to other Capabilities

5. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
   • C-130 Life Extension

Current Status

6. One Boeing 757 has been delivered to the NZDF and the second aircraft is undergoing modification in the United States.

Timing

7. The project is scheduled for completion in 2008.

Costs

8. Modification of the Boeing 757 aircraft is expected to cost around $110 million. The Boeing 757 is scheduled to remain in service until around 2023. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $640 million.

Patrol Vessels

Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS Rotoiti

Description

9. This project involves the acquisition of two offshore and four inshore patrol vessels to meet requirements for maritime surface surveillance in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Ross Sea and the South Pacific.

Policy Value

10. Patrol vessels are an important element in the surveillance of New Zealand's EEZ and other maritime areas of interest. They will work in conjunction with the P-3 airborne surveillance and reconnaissance force to protect natural resources and detect and deter maritime transnational threats.
11. The patrol vessels will meet many government agencies' needs, including the Ministry of Fisheries, the New Zealand Customs Service, the Department of Conservation, the Police, Maritime New Zealand and others. The offshore patrol vessels will be able to support maritime counter-terrorism operations and provide a presence in the South Pacific to support peace and stability and help with disaster relief.

Capability Gap

12. New Zealand currently has a very limited maritime surface patrol capability provided by the two frigates and that inherent in the various specialised vessels.

Links to other Capabilities

13. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • P-3 Mission Management, Communication, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
    • NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
    • Special Operations Capability
    • Night Vision Equipment

Current Status

14. Construction of the two offshore and four inshore patrol vessels is well advanced, with some vessels having completed their first round of contractor sea trials.

Timing

15. The vessels are expected to be offered for acceptance by the contractor in the coming year.

Cost

16. The approved project cost for the entire Project Protector fleet is currently $500 million. The estimated life of the Patrol Vessels is around 25 years. Whole-of-life costs for the Patrol Vessels are estimated to be around $1.970 billion.

Special Operations Capability

Description

17. This project will provide New Zealand’s Special Forces with equipment to undertake special operations.

Policy Value

18. Army special operations capabilities have broad utility in meeting a range of the Government's defence policy objectives.

Links to Other Capabilities

19. This project has links to the following capabilities:
    • Improvised Explosive Device Disposal
    • Light Operational Vehicle (Special Forces variant)
    • Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
    • NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
    • NZDF Training / Light Utility Helicopter Capability
    • C-130 Life Extension
    • Night Vision Equipment
    • NZDF Weapons Replacement

Current Status

20. Most of the equipment purchased under this project has been delivered and is being introduced into service.

Timing

21. Delivery of most equipment has been completed. Two items remain under acquisition.

Cost

22. This project is expected to cost around $14 million. The estimated life of the various equipment ranges from 2 to 10 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $20 million.

P-3 Mission Management, Communication, and Navigation Systems Upgrades

P-3K Orion flying on a routine patrol of the New Zealand coast

Description

23. This project will upgrade the mission management, communications, and navigation systems for the P-3 Orion airborne surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

Policy Value

24. The capability provided by the P-3 Orion is central to the NZDF meeting the Government’s five defence policy objectives and a broad spectrum of civilian roles and tasks. The P-3 Orion airborne surveillance and reconnaissance force undertakes surveillance of New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Southern Ocean; meets our South Pacific search and rescue obligations; and provides surveillance assistance to South Pacific nations.
25. The P-3 Orion is one of the primary force elements contributing to our defence relationships with Australia and Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) partners.

Capability Gap

26. The obsolescent systems onboard the P-3 Orions limited the availability of surveillance flights and other missions due to repeated equipment failures. Without an upgrade, the NZDF would be increasingly unable to meet Government objectives for the EEZ and Southern Ocean surveillance and assisting South Pacific countries with surveillance of their EEZs. There could also be difficulties in meeting wider commitments to Australia and FPDA partners.

Links to other Capabilities

27. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Patrol Vessels
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance
    • Joint Command and Control System
    • NZDF Torpedo Replacement
    • P-3 Air-to-Surface Weapons
    • P-3 Self-Protection
    • ANZAC Class Self-Defence Upgrade

Current Status

28. Upgrade work on the aircraft is underway.

Timing

29. In October 2004, a contract was awarded to L-3 Communications Integrated Systems of the USA as the prime contractor for the project. Development of the prototype aircraft is underway in the USA. The other five P-3 Orion aircraft will be upgraded in Blenheim, New Zealand in association with Safe Air Ltd.
30. The first upgraded aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2009, with fleet modernisation expected to be completed in 2011.

Costs

31. This project is expected to cost around $373 million. The P-3 fleet is scheduled to serve until around 2025. Whole-of-life costs are to be confirmed.

C-130 Life Extension

C-130 Hercules

Description

32. This project will extend the life of the C-130 aircraft by upgrading the avionics and self protections systems as well as undertaking some structural refurbishment work.

Policy Value

33. The C-130 is a critical enabler for many NZDF operations. The C-130 has particular utility where runways are short or in poor condition. It 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. Air transport is a critical capability across a spectrum of military operations including: supporting counter-terrorist operations; peace-support operations; evacuations of New Zealanders from trouble spots; disaster relief and humanitarian operations; undertaking tasks within New Zealand; and supporting New Zealand's Antarctic programme.

Capability Gaps

34. The declining availability of C-130 air transport presented a major capability gap that would have impacted on the NZDF's ability to deploy and support personnel. If this project was not carried out, the NZDF would have insufficient air transport to support deployments or to perform other tasks. This situation would lead to a risk of policy failure, particularly in the New Zealand, South Pacific, and Asia-Pacific contexts.

Links to Other Capabilities

35. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • C-130 Self-Protection
    • Boeing 757 Modification
    • Special Operations Capability
    • Night Vision Equipment
    • Deployment of NZDF capabilities

Current Status

36. The prototype aircraft is undergoing modification.

Timing

37. The first upgraded aircraft is scheduled for delivery in 2008, with fleet modernisation expected to be completed in 2011.

Cost

38. This project is expected to cost around $234 million. The C-130 fleet is scheduled to serve until around 2017. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $670 million.

NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability

NH90 helicopter

Description

39. This project will replace the Iroquois utility helicopters with the NH90.

Policy Value

40. Utility helicopters provide essential support to the Army, particularly in the South Pacific and in peace support operations. Helicopters are also important for supporting police operations, counter terrorism operations and for providing a range of support functions within New Zealand and the South Pacific, such as search and rescue, and disaster relief.
41. The introduction into service of HMNZS Canterbury has created an additional role for utility helicopters in supporting the lodgement of personnel by amphibious means, especially in the South Pacific.

Capability Gap

42. The current helicopter fleet is unable to meet the contemporary and future requirements of a modern, mobile land force. The UH-1H Iroquois helicopter is becoming increasingly difficult to support because of its age. With helicopters assuming greater importance for mobility and tasks in peace support operations, there is a risk that the NZDF will be unable to adequately perform its roles and tasks if the Iroquois were not replaced with a medium utility helicopter capability.

Links to other Capabilities

43. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • NZDF Training / Light Utility Helicopter Capability
    • Special Operations Capability
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • Night Vision Equipment
    • A range of Army capabilities

Current Status

44. A resident Defence project team is in France monitoring the manufacturing programme. The first aircraft is undergoing assembly and NH Industries will undertake the first test flight in early 2009.

Timing

45. The first NH90 is scheduled to enter into service in 2010 with full operational capability expected by 2013.

Costs

46. This project is expected to cost around $771 million which includes logistics and support. The estimated fleet life is thirty years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $2.050 billion.

Ohakea Essential Infrastructure Programme

RNZAF Base Ohakea

Description

47. This project will provide essential infrastructure at RNZAF Base Ohakea and some minor work at Whenuapai.

Policy Value

48. RNZAF Base Ohakea will receive extensive improvements to its infrastructure. This will provide facilities to house the new NH-90 and A109 helicopters and modern workshops to provide engineering and maintenance for RNZAF squadrons. A new Air Movements terminal to facilitate passenger and cargo movement will meet international standards and provide capacity for the Boeing 757 aircraft. An upgrade of the security of the airbase will be in accordance with international airport security requirements.

Capability Gap

49. The current infrastructure is becoming degraded. It does not provide adequate housing and maintenance facilities for the NH-90 and A109 helicopters.

Links to Other Capabilities

50. 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, Communication, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
    • C-130 Life Extension
    • Boeing 757 Modification
    • Advanced Pilot Training Capability

Current Status

51. The Government has approved the NZDF proceeding with an Essential Infrastructure Programme at Ohakea. This programme is underway.
52. Projects included in this programme are:
    • New 3 Squadron helicopter facilities: to house the new NH-90 and A109 helicopters due to arrive from 2010.
    • New Maintenance Support Squadron facilities: modern workshops to provide engineering and maintenance for RNZAF squadrons.
    • New Air Movements terminal: to facilitate passenger and cargo movement.
    • PABX/server room: new facilities for communications and information support.
    • New in-flight kitchen: to support all flights from Ohakea.
    • Perimeter Fence and Main Gate reconstruction: to upgrade the security of the airbase.

Timing

53. The Essential Infrastructure Programme is being completed over the financial years 2007/08 to 2012/13.

Costs

54. The Essential Infrastructure Programme is expected to cost around $130 million.

Ohakea Base Taxiways Reconstruction

Description

55. This project will reconstruct the Ohakea Base Taxiways 'A' and 'C' and their associated hard standings to keep the airfield fully operational for military and commercial use and ensure that the airfield meets International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

Policy Value

56. The reconstructed taxiways will support the operation of maritime surveillance aircraft, air transport aircraft, helicopters, and flying training aircraft at Ohakea.

Capability Gap

57. The taxiways have reached a stage where their use by larger aircraft is limited. In particular, the taxiways are no longer suitable for routine operation of jet transport aircraft. Restrictions on aircraft operations at Ohakea affect the ability of the Air Force to operate effectively. There is also an impact on the base's ability to handle and accommodate civil aircraft when required as a diversion airfield.

Links to Other Capabilities

58. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Ohakea Runway Reconstruction (now completed)
    • Ohakea Essential Infrastructure Programme
    • NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
    • NZDF Training / Light Utility Helicopter Capability
    • P-3 Mission Management, Communication, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
    • C-130 Life Extension
    • Boeing 757 Modification
    • Advanced Pilot Training Capability

Current Status

59. To avoid having two projects running at the same time, Taxiway C will be completed before the construction of the facilities for the NH90 helicopters commences. To meet this constraint and allow the bulk earth works to be completed during the summer construction period, Taxiway C work commenced in December 2007, with completion targeted for late 2008. The Taxiway A work will occur during 2010/11.

Timing

60. Taxiway C works will be completed in late 2008 and the design for Taxiway A will commence in 2010.

Costs

61. This project is expected to cost around $18 million. The estimated life of the taxiways is 50 years.

Replacement of Devonport Naval Base 60Hz Power Generation and Reticulation

Devonport Naval Base

Description

62. This project is upgrading the 60 hertz (Hz) power generation and reticulation system at the Devonport Naval Base.

Policy Value

63. All Royal New Zealand Navy ships are equipped with an onboard capacity to generate 60Hz power. When berthed, 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 the Devonport Naval Base would have made it very difficult for the Navy to maintain its current fleet and Project Protector vessels at the level required to meet the Government's defence policy objectives.

Capability Gap

64. The Devonport Naval Base was equipped with a generation and reticulation system that converted 50Hz power supplied from the national grid to 60Hz. The infrastructure was old and unable to fully support the existing fleet. For example, each ANZAC frigate consumed half the total output. Temporary generating capacity was hired at considerable cost whenever a high proportion of the fleet was berthed at Devonport. A modernised generation and reticulation system was needed with the arrival of the Project Protector vessels.

Links to other Capabilities

65. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • Patrol Vessels
    • ANZAC Class Self-Defence Upgrade
    • ANZAC Class Platform Systems Upgrade

Current Status

66. The upgrade of facilities is underway.

Timing

67. This project will be completed in 2009.

Costs

68. This project is expected to cost around $10 million. The estimated life is 20 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $11 million.

Replacement of Devonport Naval Base Fuel Installation Facilities

Description

69. This project is rationalising and modernising the marine fuel installation (storage, defueling and bilge cleaning capabilities) at the Devonport Naval Base.

Policy Value

70. The Naval Fuel Installation provides an essential strategic fuel storage capability to enable the Navy to condition and distribute the correct fuel to its ships. This has added significance with the arrival of the Project Protector vessels.

Capability Gap

71. After the decommissioning of the original fuel bunker tunnels which had become obsolescent, the Navy's fuelling arrangements in Auckland have been provided through a commercial supply and waste product disposal contract. HMNZS Endeavour has also been utilised when available.
72. The loss of the bunkers has affected the Navy’s ability to hold contingency reserves and operational stocks and control the quality of marine fuel. It is also unable to defuel vessels when required.

Links to other Capabilities

73. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • Patrol Vessels
    • ANZAC Class Self-Defence Upgrade
    • ANZAC Class Platform Systems Upgrade
    • HMNZS Endeavour

Current Status

74. The construction of modernised facilities is underway.

Timing

75. This project will be completed in 2009.

Costs

76. The project is expected to cost around $15 million. The estimated life is around 50 years. Whole-of-life costs are to be confirmed.

C-130 Self-Protection

C-130 Hercules

Description

77. This project is upgrading the C-130 Hercules self-protection system to provide the ability to detect and counter likely threats, primarily man-portable infrared (IR) missiles.

Policy Value

78. The C-130 Hercules is a critical enabler for many NZDF operations. It provides essential air transport for a number of roles and tasks, including supporting counter-terrorist operations, peace support operations, and evacuations of New Zealanders from trouble spots. These operations may involve the C-130s landing in locations where there is the threat of hostile air defence weapons. In places such as Afghanistan, coalition forces expect aircraft to operate with an effective standard of self-protection.
79. C-130s and their crews are high value assets. They carry mission critical cargo and personnel. It is therefore important to protect those assets and minimise the risks to personnel and to payloads.

Capability Gaps

80. The current C-130 self-protection fit was installed in the early 1990s. Since that time there has been a significant increase in the sophistication, availability and employment of missiles by combat forces, terrorists and other non-government actors in a range of operating environments. The current system is therefore no longer appropriate for today's threat environment.
81. In recent years, the majority of fixed wing aircraft lost to hostile fire in unstable regions of the world have fallen to IR guided man portable missile systems. These shoulder-launched systems have proliferated widely across the globe. Lack of an effective self-protection capability could therefore limit the use of our C-130s in humanitarian or peace support operations globally.

Links to Other Capabilities

82. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • P-3 Self-Protection
    • C-130 Life Extension

Current Status

83. Modification to the first aircraft is underway. The first C-130 with an upgraded self protection system is scheduled to be delivered in 2009 and be operational in the same year.

Timing

84. This project is underway and is being completed in conjunction with the C-130 Life Extension.

Costs

85. This project is expected to cost around $21 million. The C-130 fleet is scheduled to serve until around 2017. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $30 million.

ANZAC Class Close-In Weapon System Upgrade and Refurbishment

Description

86. This project upgrades the ANZAC Class Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), the last line of defence and protection from Anti-Ship Missiles (ASM) and strike aircraft. It also has the potential to defend against Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FIAC).

Policy Value

87. The ANZAC Class Frigates must be able to operate in environments where there is a risk of attack from ASM and FIAC. To be able to operate in such environments without undue risk or constraint, the frigates must be equipped with a level of self-defence against such threats. The CIWS provides a substantial proportion of this self-defence capability.

Capability Gaps

88. The CIWS systems require refurbishment to rectify capability shortfalls, and will be upgraded to counter advances in the ASM threat and increasing risk of FIAC attacks.

Links to other Capabilities

89. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • ANZAC Class Self-Defence Upgrade

Current Status

90. This project is underway.

Timing

91. A contract has been signed with Raytheon to upgrade the two CIWS mounts to counter ASM and FIAC.
92. The first CIWS mount is scheduled for installation in late 2009/early 2010 with the second mount scheduled for installation approximately 12 months later.

Costs

93. This project is expected to cost around $25 million. The estimated life is around 7 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $65 million.

NZDF Training/Light Utility Helicopter Capability

A109 training/light utility helicopter

Description

94. This project will replace the Sioux training helicopters with the A109 Training/Light Utility Helicopters (T/LUH).

Policy Value

95. A modern training helicopter is critical to transition pilots and crew to the NH90 medium utility helicopters and the Navy's SH-2G Seasprite helicopters. In a light utility role, the T/LUH helicopters will support a range of government and civil agencies in New Zealand and offshore.

Capability Gap

96. The Sioux training helicopter is of 1950s vintage and is inadequate to meet contemporary training needs. It does not provide an adequate step in pilot training progression from the basic CT4E Airtrainer aircraft to utility and maritime helicopters, nor does it contribute to the training of other helicopter aircrew.
97. The acquisition of the NH90 medium utility helicopter creates a requirement for a complementary light utility helicopter capability not met by the Sioux training helicopter.

Links to other Capabilities

98. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
    • NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter
    • Special Operations Capability
    • Multi-Role Vessel
    • Night Vision Equipment
    • A range of Army Capabilities

Current Status

99. Contract negotiations have been concluded and a contract signed. A resident Defence project team has been established in Italy to monitor the manufacturing programme.

Timing

100. Five Agusta Westland A109LUH (NZ) helicopters and a flight training device are scheduled to enter service in 2010.

Costs

101. This project is expected to cost around $139 million. The estimated fleet life is around 30 years. Whole-of-life costs are estimated to be around $400 million.

Night Vision Equipment

Description

102. This project involves the purchase of Night Vision Equipment (NVE) for NZDF force elements to operate and train effectively at night or in conditions of reduced light.

Policy Value

103. NVE assists in meeting a range of the Government's defence policy objectives. NVE enhances safety and force protection for NZDF force elements through improved situational awareness. NVE provides an important enabling capability for the Army, Navy and Air Force to operate and train at night or in conditions of reduced light.

Capability Gap

104. The NZDF possessed a limited night operating capability. Recent major capital acquisitions such as the Light Armoured Vehicle, NH90 Medium Utility Helicopter and A109 Training / Light Utility Helicopters, the C-130 Life Extension, Multi-Role Vessel and Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon have seen platforms being acquired that either contain advanced night operating capabilities, or could realise a significant increase in capability with the addition of NVE.
105. This project includes the following systems:
     • Individual NVE such as night vision goggles
     • Night weapons sights for both personal and crew served weapons
     • Hand held observation devices
     • Night vision ancillaries such as aiming devices, thermal markers and infrared strobe lighting

Links to other Capabilities

106. This project has links to the following projects and capabilities:
     • Light Operational Vehicles
     • Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon
     • Direct Fire Support Weapon
     • Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
     • High Preparedness Infantry Company
     • NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
     • NZDF Training / Light Utility Helicopter Capability
     • C-130 Life Extension
     • Multi-Role Vessel
     • NZDF Weapon Replacement
     • Special Operations Capability
     • Light Armoured Vehicles

Current Status

107. The Government has approved this project and an acquisition strategy is being prepared.

Timing

108. This project will be approached as a phased procurement to take advantage of technology developments and to avoid block fleet obsolescence. The first phase of this programme is expected to begin in 2008/09.

Costs

109. The first phase of this project is expected to cost around $15 million from 2008/09. Whole-of-life costs are not yet able to be calculated.

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