Defence Capability Plan 2011

An exert from Defence Capability Plan 2011

In order to reach the goal of Total Defence Capability 2020, and thereby deliver the tasks outlined in the Defence White Paper 2010, the NZDF will focus on developing capability sets that combine a variety of military capabilities from across the three Services. These capability sets are grouped as:

• credible combat capabilities;
• deployable ground forces;
• strategic projection and logistics;
• command and control; and
• network-enabled intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The capability sets, which are not mutually exclusive, will comprise both existing and new or enhanced capabilities. Maintaining these capabilities will require ongoing investment in NZDF infrastructure, including information communications technology. Modern facilities that meet contemporary needs will provide quality support to NZDF operations. This Section outlines the main components of each capability set and illustrates how they relate to the Joint Amphibious Task Force and Total Defence Capability 2020 concepts. Further detail on the individual capability priorities within these capability sets is provided in Section 5. 

On occasion, individual components of these capability sets will deploy on their own, such as the Special Operations Forces, which currently are in Afghanistan. But for the majority of situations, be it a combat or peacekeeping deployment, or a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation, the Joint Amphibious Task Force is a planning concept which enhances the utility of the individual NZDF elements it comprises. The emphasis within the Joint Amphibious Task Force is on a joint approach, integration, and having a wider understanding of the mission as a whole.

The importance of the combat capabilities of the NZDF, in the South Pacific and further afield, cannot be understated. It is these capabilities which underpin the overall utility, depth, and effectiveness of the NZDF, and thus its value to the Government and our partners. The NZDF must have the combination of personnel, equipment, training, and experience of working with other forces to allow the Government to make a credible, valued contribution when it needs or wishes to do so, including in higher intensity environments.

Well trained and operationally prepared ground forces, which includes Combat Units, Special Operations Forces, and Combat Support Units such as Engineers and Artillery, provide effective, credible, ground combat capabilities which the Government can deploy at short notice for a wide range of military tasks, including tasks alongside partner forces.

The ANZAC frigates and their integrated capability systems (guns, missiles, radars, sonar and electronic monitoring systems, and embarked helicopters) represent the only maritime force element capable of operating across the spectrum of operations from constabulary and humanitarian aid tasks to combat roles in a multi-national response to security events. The frigates also provide credible protection of forces afloat including amphibious sealift and logistical support platforms on passage and in location.

Helicopters provide a range of support, which includes tactical troop transport, command and control, search and rescue, and light utility roles. Planned integration with the naval platforms will enable support to amphibious tasks.

Embarked naval helicopters provide extended reach, surveillance, and air-delivered weapon capabilities (air-to-surface missile and anti-submarine torpedo) for the frigates.

Strategic projection and logistics

In our immediate region the ability to deploy forces across large maritime spaces, by both air and sea, into unstable, potentially hostile environments, and sustain them once there, is crucial to the conduct of NZDF tasks. The ability to respond quickly and effectively to humanitarian and disaster relief situations across our region is of particular importance.

Sealift for deployable forces is provided by the Multi-Role Vessel, HMNZS Canterbury, which is capable of embarking land forces and an air component, including helicopters and equipment. The ship can also provide a limited health support role through the embarkation of a surgical team. C-130 Hercules and B757 aircraft provide tactical and strategic airlift for personnel, equipment, and logistics, both inter- and intra-theatre.

replenishment capability may be enhanced to supplement and provide redundancy for HMNZS Canterbury, thus enabling an Amphibious Task Force to carry additional vehicles and equipment required by the ground force.

The naval combat force and other deployed NZDF assets are supported by a maritime projection and sustainment capability (currently the fleet replenishment ship, HMNZS Endeavour) enabling them to operate at greater distances than if they were operating independently. This capability carries supplies and fuel for the NZDF and its partners. It can re-supply ships at sea, or in overseas ports. The replenishment capability is a key regional enabler especially in projecting and sustaining an NZDF Joint Amphibious Task Force into the South Pacific. In the future this replenishment capability may be enhanced to supplement and provide redundancy for HMNZS Canterbury, thus enabling an Amphibious Task Force to carry additional vehicles and equipment required by the ground force.

Deployable ground forces require integrated capabilities that address land mobility, logistics, and medical support. These capabilities will meet the challenges of the contemporary operating environment and future operating concepts both at home and abroad.

Utility helicopters provide a range of logistic support, which includes troop transport and sustainment. Planned integration with the naval platforms will enable logistical support to amphibious tasks.

http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/downloads/pdf/general/defence%20capability%20plan.pdf