AIR

While not part of the DCP 2019, the Air Force does have modern equipment with the current NH-90 and A109 helicopters giving the Airforce 14 modern helicopters. Add the 8 fully upgraded Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite with modern avionics and systems.

Just a quick note here the Seasprite are navy helicopters, with navy pilots and loadmasters, however maintenance is carried out by the airforce.

The air force, on the other hand, has also been looked after to an extent, the ageing C-130H’s are to be replaced with like for like but with an upgrade in capability getting the C-130J-30 Super Hercules. As I have said elsewhere there was really one viable option and this was it. It would have been nice to have a couple of A-400M’s in kiwi colours but realistically the A-400M is still having teething issues.

The C-2 from Japan is still really going through testing before being any orders should be made same as the Embraer KC-390.

• Boeing completes ASW upgrades on Kiwi Orions
• Boeing P-8A Poseidon
• New sub-killer planes may never fire in anger but Govt wants the option
• New Zealand seeking P-8A Poseidon base builders ahead of first aircraft arrival in 2023

The P-8A Poseidon is to replace the ageing but recently upgraded P3k2’s. However we are replacing 6 P3’s with 4 P-8’s. The normal argument of the P-8 has better range and equipment etc. But to operate a small fleet of 4 usually only means 1 or 2 are available at any one time. Having 6 P-3s meant we usually had (but not always) 3 aircraft available at any one time.

Now, this is not as all bad as it seems as the DCP also states that UAV’s will be purchased to supplement the P-8’s for doing the standard maritime patrols. Freeing up the P-8’s for doing the real sub-hunting and over seas missions and exercises etc.

The old Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtraine have be replaced with the modern Beecraft Texan T-6C II. Giving the possibility with the wing hardpoints of the T-6C II have, the aircraft could be used in basic ground attack mode if push comes to shove making it more flexible than they use to have. At the same time gives flexibility to the army as well.

If the government of the day get the equivalent of the Triton MQ-4C that can spend most of its time in maritime search keep an eye on our borders as well as our ally Australia as they already use this. Again interoperability. It can also be used in S&R as well as other operations and exercises, this would greatly enhance the Air Forces operations ability.

The recently acquired King Air 350 have allowed the New Zealand Defence Force to conduct aircrew training domestically, improving defence’s resilience and sustainability. The leased aircraft will require replacement in the mid-2020s with a training platform that reflects the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s modern fleet of aircraft, following the introduction of the P-8A Poseidon, C-130J-30 Hercules replacement, and strategic airlift capability. Request for tender 2026 Introduction into Service 2028.

Operations in the Pacific and globally will require an air transport option for the movement of personnel, equipment and stores over long ranges. The eventual withdrawal from service of the current Boeing 757 fleet will allow for the procurement of a strategic airlift capability that meets capability requirements across a range of tasks. Indicative dates. Industry engagement commences 2021, request for tender 2024 and introduction into Service – 2028

However sadly there is still no mention of re-establishing any form or fighter wing, and for me, this is still a sensitive subject.