Category : Defence
Author: Michael Peck

At this point, it is worth noting that the Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia also had a habit of "acquiring" Western technology without the consent of the owners, for everything from the atomic bomb, to the Space Shuttle and video games. It's actually a dubious accomplishment, an admission that a nation lacks the capacity to really innovate its own technology.

Remember that Russian carrier-based jet that China copied without permission? Those airplanes are crashing, and Russia doesn't seem too broken up about it.

Article: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/why-russia-doesn%E2%80%99t-care-chinese-j-15-jets-are-crashing-177867
:
Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
Category : Defence
Author: Kevan Jones

The Ministry of Defence have confirmed that the Queen Elizabeth class carriers might be fitted with catapults ‘in the coming years’ in order to launch certain types of aircraft.

Article: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-confirm-aircraft-carriers-may-be-fitted-with-catapults
:
Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
Category : Defence
Author: BENJAMIN FELTON

Thales Australia has cut the first steel for New Zealand’s new fleet of Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMV) at its factory in the Australian State of Victoria. New Zealand ordered an additional 43 of the type in 2020, to replace its aging fleet of armoured Pinzgauer transports. Previously, in 2015, New Zealand’s special forces, the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS), acquired five of the type from Australia which they have operated ever since. 

Article: https://www.overtdefense.com/2021/08/20/thales-australia-cuts-steel-for-new-zealands-new-bushmasters/
Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
Category : Defence
Author: Michael Peck

Here's What You Need To Remember:  With the federal deficit growing, the military is likely to see some lean years. 

Is it worth sacrificing some F-35s and aircraft carriers to trim the federal budget deficit?

Article: https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/biggest-threat-aircraft-carriers-not-russia-or-china-192659
:
Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
Category : Defence
Author: Reuters

China, in the midst of a rapid nuclear weapons buildup, will soon surpass Russia as the United States' top nuclear threat, a senior US military official said on Friday, warning that the two countries have no mechanisms to avert miscommunication.

US Air Force Lieutenant General Thomas Bussiere, the deputy commander of the US Strategic Command, which oversees the country's nuclear arsenal, said China's development of nuclear capabilities "can no longer be aligned" with its public claim that it wants to maintain a minimum nuclear deterrent.

Article: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2021/08/china-to-overtake-russia-as-biggest-nuclear-threat-soon-us-commander-warns.html
:
Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
Category : Defence
Author: Royal New Zealand Navy

HMNZ Ship’s Te Kaha & Aotearoa are at sea undertaking trials & readiness checks - all essential tasks prior to deploying next month. While operating at Alert Level 4, in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines, we're maintaining the safety of all onboard.

Article: https://twitter.com/NZNavy/status/1429942032160616459
:
Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
Category : Opinion
Author: Chris Penk

The discussion about ‘grey zone’ security threats is a fascinating one. I would argue that these threats represent an opportunity for defence to play the leading role in a new whole-of-government approach that feels overdue already.

It’s a timely discussion, I believe, with plenty of discourse (including in these pages recently) about the possibilities offered in the new information domain. It’s also very timely as the government considers – or at least should be considering – new ways of ensuring that the NZDF and Ministry of Defence are viewed as serious players in defending this nation’s interests.

Article: https://defsec.net.nz/2021/08/22/grey-zone-defence/
:
Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

Opposition Spokesperson for Defence and Veterans Chris Penk MP writes that the grey zone presents an opportunity to redefine Defence and to orientate our military towards the threats of the future.

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive
Category : Opinion
Author: Dr Wayne Mapp

Over the next five years New Zealand will face its biggest foreign policy challenge since the nuclear free issue of 35 years ago.  As with that issue, the essence of the challenge will be the relationship that New Zealand has with its traditional partners and allies.

The dichotomy is easily described. As the Prime Minister notes, Australia is our oldest and most important ally. However, an increasingly assertive China is our most important trading partner. 

Article: https://defsec.net.nz/2021/08/21/five-eyes-challenge/
:
Note from Nighthawk.NZ:

Dr Wayne Mapp writes that a new cold war has broken out and that New Zealand cannot avoid being drawn in. Staying on the right side of history will require deft diplomacy and smart strategy.

Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive