NZLAVs in Afghanistan?

[corsair67]

Just wondering if NZ has deployed any of its LAVs on operations in Afghanistan?

[vgp]

nope re:news article below - although saw a NZLAV being towed by another NZLAV down the desert road a couple of weeks back with the Crewman on top looking like he was freezing his N*ts off.

news article from march 07 - At present we are fortunate that the situation on the ground in our major deployments Afghanistan, Timor Leste and The Solomon Islands are not at the level of risk which has required the NZLAV to be deployed.

However there are no guarantees that future deployments or even current deployments, if the situation were to deteriorate, will not involve the level of risk that necessitates use of the NZLAV.

[vgp]

looks the furthest they have been is the land of the oz.

army press release.

Exercise Predators Gallop
Exercise Predators Gallop was an Australian Defence Force field exercise conducted over the period 18 Jul - 8 Aug 04, in the Mount Bundey Training Area and the Delamere Training Area (DTA), Northern Territory, Australia. It was the first opportunity for the NZ Army to exercise in a combined arms environment with the NZLAV (New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle). The deployment centred around a motorised rifle company group (including the NZLAV) and Combat Service Support elements.

The exercise was an example of how the NZ Army is able to enhance the interoperability with the Australian Defence Force while developing familiarisation within our own organisation, our equipment and capabilities.

Generally speaking at least one major field exercise or sub unit exchange is conducted with the Australian Defence Force annually to encourage interoperability.

[30sqnatc]

They invaded Napier and Wellington last week off the HMNZS Canterbury. When our aircraft start appearing with D Day wing stripes somewhere had better watch out

[beagle]

I take it they ship them them over the tasman a few weeks before then.

[corsair67]

So I take it that the Army has only deployed its Pinzgauers over there?
I would have thought a few LAVs would have been a good resource to have, especially now that things are heating up with Taliban?

Not that being in a LAV will save lives in all IED incidents; as was the case this week with Trooper Pearce of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment.

[30sqnatc]

corsair67 said:

So I take it that the Army has only deployed its Pinzgauers over there?
I would have thought a few LAVs would have been a good resource to have, especially now that things are heating up with Taliban?

Not that being in a LAV will save lives in all IED incidents; as was the case this week with Trooper Pearce of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment.

A real pity about Trooper Pearce. Pinzgauers were deployed but now back in NZ. Currently use leased armoured Hummers and plain white Toyota Hilux. Some good pictures on NZDF website.

Things are still, touch wood, quiet in the NZ area of responsibility.

Paul

[corsair67]

Thanks for that Paul. Now that you mention the Hummers, I do recall seeing a photo of them somewhere else before with black kiwis painted on the doors.

I'll check out the Defence website too.