10 year cap on Defence funding

[Dave Homewood]

10 year cap on Defence funding
Updated about 1 hour ago

Government papers say there will be no extra funding over the next 10 years for projects outlined in last year's Defence White Paper, because of the tough economic climate.

The Defence Capability Plan assesses what White Paper projects can and can't be done.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says the country's fiscal position has deteriorated since the White Paper was published last November and the plan must be affordable.

He says projects can be funded over the next 10 years from accumulated depreciation with no need for capital injection.

The paper says the Defence Force aims to save up to $400 million by the 2014/15 financial year.

Logistical support will be restructured, and there will be an increase to front line army personnel.



Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand

[Dave Homewood]

I guess that puts the kibosh on the planned extra helicopters, new utility aircraft, new martime patrol aircraft and new trainers?

[Parrotfish]

Yep You just knew what the end result was going to be eh. Unfortunately no great surprise here.

[Dave Homewood]

Exactly. But at least it might quell the misguided speculation on the forum of bringing back Macchis into service, buying C-17's, etc.

If NZ sells that $100 million ugly art collection it was just donated by a rich American we could make a start on recovering the economy. Sadly the politicians won't think that way.

[guest]

Guys, if you want some informed discussion on the topic, I suggest you read this:

www.defence.govt.nz/pdfs/reports-publications/defence-capability-plan-2011.pdf

No point in 'shooting from the hip" without the facts.

The document seems good news/bad news. But at the end of the day, if this is where NZ want defence to go, then at least there is a plan in place to get there.

[Ykato]

New era in RNZAF advanced pilot training signalled

"In future pilots will train on fast and manoeuvrable aircraft which provide much more rigorous and realistic training. This will prepare them effectively for the demanding military flying they will be called upon to perform in service," said Dr Mapp
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1110/S00015/new-era-in-rnzaf-advanced-pilot-training-signalled.htm

[Chris F]

it's good to see the advanced trainer platform is still going ahead.
This will be a huge asset to the airforce.

[baronbeeza]

So what does that last paragraph about training aircraft mean to us ?

We will have a rotary wing and transport fleet. The new A109 will obviously be used for the rotary training. With a fleet of 15 to 20 transport and multi-engine aircraft you would think the pilot turn-over rate should be minimal.

There was talk of simulator use also so are they thinking a suitable multi-trainer and inshore patrol aircraft type. We used Islanders and Rheims Caravan II in Aussie for that job along with Dash 8.

The King Airs are versatile and should be doing the job. They would be better than the BN2 and F406.

I really cannot see the RNZAF equipping with an aircraft type just to train up a few pilot/ AEW cadets before wings.

The F27 was a great machine in that it could be used for numerous roles. It also gave Support Group and Base Wigram a limited, but much needed, transport machine. It was used to get Politicians about also.. The best part was the capital expenditure was minimal.

From memory the RNZAF did not even own the engines on the F27, they were pool engines.


An equivalent in this day and age would be the Q300 operated by Air Nelson.

[luke6745]

So will 42 Squadron become an operational squadron if advanced training is broken off? Will advanced training now be PTS' responsibility?

[luke6745]

And wouldn't five CN-235's be more than capable of multi-engine training, light transport and maritime patrol? Or would they cost too much?