Defence Long-Term Development Plan (LTDP)
(October 2008 Update)
8. Projects Critical to Avoid the Failure of Policy
Joint Communications Modernisation
Description
- This project proposes to modernise the NZDF's long-range and medium-range communications capability to maintain 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, 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 proposed 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. The communications systems currently available between the Joint Force Headquarters and units deployed or operating beyond short-range radio coverage will not meet future 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. Thus it will limit the ability of the NZDF to develop a modern, integrated command and 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. Linked projects are:
- Joint Command and Control Systems
- Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
- NZDF Satellite Communications Capability
Current Status
- A preliminary study is underway to scope the programme of work required to achieve an integrated communications infrastructure.
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Timing
- Components of this project are scheduled for acquisition from around 2010.
Costs
- This project has an indicative cost of between $40 - $60 million. Whole-of-life costs are not yet able to be calculated.
Land Command & Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (Land C4ISR)
Description
- This project proposes to acquire an improved Land Command and Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (Land C4ISR) capability to support the Command and Control of deployed land forces; and provide an enhanced ability to support the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) needs of the NZDF in the land environment.
- The capability will comprise a land ISR system that will collect and analyse battlefield information. It will also provide a tactical battlefield Command and Control (C2) system (with its supporting deployable communications) providing commanders with improved situational awareness, messaging ability, a common operating picture, collaborative planning tools, and enhanced communications.
- Two LTDP projects have been combined, the Land Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and the Tactical C4 project with the Army Tactical Trunk Communications project to form the Land C4ISR project
Policy Value
- Land C4ISR is a key enabler of the Army's Network Enabled Army Concept and will provide the deployable land component of the NZDF's Network Enabled Capability. An improved Land C4ISR capability will enhance the situational awareness, command and control, and interoperability of deployed NZDF Land Forces in military operations.
Capability Gap
- Presently the Army does not at have an integrated tactical C2 system 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:
- Joint Communications Modernisation
- Joint Command and Control System
- NZDF Satellite Communications Capability
- Light Operational Vehicles
- Multi-Role Vessel
- Combat Service Support Vehicles
- High Preparedness Infantry Company
- General Service Vehicle Fleet Replacement
- NZDF Medium Utility Helicopter Capability
- NZDF Training/Light Utility Helicopter Capability
- P-3 Mission Management, Communication, and Navigation Systems Upgrades
- Light Armoured Vehicles
Current Status
- Options are being developed for the Government's consideration as part of preparing the Initial Gate Investment Case.
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Timing
- This project is expected to follow an incremental introduction into service over a three-year period from 2010/11 - 2012/13.
Costs
- The estimated project cost is in the range of $100 - 150 million spread over a three year period. Whole-of-life costs are not yet able to be calculated.
