In this term of government, we’ve been very busy with the defense portfolio. We’ve unveiled the Strategic Defence Policy Statement, which identified how we view the strategic environment in which we operate. Then we built on it with reports on climate change and how the New Zealand Defence Force, or NZDF, will work better in the Pacific. We’ve then used this to create the Defence Capability Plan to meet the challenges we’re facing in our strategic environment and to modernize the Defence Force.
The government has signed off on new P-8As, replacing the C-130H Hercules, training aircraft and simulators, HMNZS Manawanui, the Frigate Systems Upgrade project, and the Network Enabled Army Programme, to name but a few efforts. We’re now moving toward procuring a new Southern Ocean patrol vessel, a landing platform dock to complement HMNZS Canterbury, increasing the size of the Army and new space and unmanned surveillance technology.
All up, the new capital investment in defense will be over $2.6 billion by the time this term of government ends. That’s the biggest investment in defense for a generation.
But it’s in the area of real estate that I think we could have the most lasting and positive impact on the NZDF.
Earlier this year I announced a review of the Defence Estate. It’s no secret that our estate is outdated, and in some cases predates the Second World War. With our strategic needs shifting and new equipment coming online, the time is right to take an open-minded look at the estate and ask ourselves: “What are we going to need in the year 2070?”
All up, the new capital investment in defense will be over $2.6 billion by the time this term of government ends. That’s the biggest investment in defense for a generation.
Ultimately the recommendations of the team looking into the estate could mean new bases, consolidating bases, moving bases, or even keeping our footprint as it is but upgrading what we have. All options are on the table.
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- China watching as New Zealand unveils military buildup in Pacific
- Why do I think the Endurance 170 LHD is a good choice for the RNZN.
It is an area I’d like to see the defense industry engaged in. Shaping the future of our Defence Estate is perhaps the most important work we will do this term. It could make the difference between success and failure for future generations of defense personnel.
