New Zealand Defence White Paper 2016

Finally we seem to be getting somewhere. Back in 2009 I made a submission toward the 2010 White Paper. It was ignored. But now with the latest effort, voices like mine seem to be getting through.

You can find a summary of what is proposed...>>HERE<<

* Tactical airlift - replace the current C130's - check. Proposed acquisition of C17's - check; they just need to add in four or so latest model C130's.

* No mention of adding air strike capability. The need to fly high and to strike is essential. Maybe they can acquire drones to do the job, fine if they can do that. Otherwise this is just another sop to the weak kneed.

* Air Surveillance - get rid of P-3 Orions - check. Replace with drones (UAV's) - check.

* Naval combat - replace Anzac frigates - check. Replace with patrol vessels - check. But they haven't addressed the need for amphibious operations and an ice breaker, preferring to go for ice strengthened only - shame that.

* Replace the oiler - check. Need more support - check.

* Network enabled and the ability to fight unconventionally - check.

* Update the army - check

Where I've said check, I covered these areas in my 2009 submission and they've gone for my suggestions. Did someone read my submission or was there so many people on about the same thing, they had to buckle?

But they're still slow and behind the times, right now I'd consider the following as well:-

1. Use fewer contractors and do more in-house. With threats emerging, conflict means the cost of using contractors escalates.

2. Submarines - patrol, observe, slip special forces ashore; the advanced technology, like that of the Japanese Soryu class, means we'd be silly not to investigate.

3. Ice breaker - a real one - C'mon

4. Air strike - essential.

5. Army - amphibious operations.

6. Give up the pretence of separate forces and go Marines.

Ken Horlor's Force

Army: amphibious brigade of marines (4,000 personnel), light armour;

Air force - UAV's and UCAV's (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles) for surveillance, air and ground strike, latest 4 x C130's, 2 x C17's, (or alternatively an intermediate option, go with the the Kawasaki C-2 to do all airlift), helicopters as now (NH90's and Seasprite) but add 4 x heavier lift helicopters, lease replacements for 757's, such as 767 or similar.

Navy - 2 x amphibious warfare ships with landing dock and helicopter decks with hangars on each - with cruise missile etc., plus an ice breaker, patrol and support vessels but add 2 x submarines.

Like this...

Delete - Anzac frigates (2 of), C-130 Hercules (5), 757's (2), P-3 Orions (6), old oiler, support vessels.

Add - amphibious warfare ships (two to replace the frigates), six Kawasaki C-2's (to replace C-130's), four heavy lift helicopters (equivalent to Chinook), UAV's and UCAV's, two Soryu class submarines, add larger and more versatile oiler - standing in as patrol vessel as well, plus new role support vessel, then finally the all-important ice breaker.

Merge or demote - Canterbury multi-role vessel becomes a non-commissioned disaster relief ship, dive support and hydrographic merge to new single vessel.

I delete 18 units and add back in 23.