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New Zealand Scraps Air Combat Force
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- New Zealand's government Tuesday said it would strip the air force of all of its fighter jets and cut the navy in the biggest shake-up in the armed forces since World War II.
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The plans, which would make New Zealand the first advanced nation in the world to almost strip itself of air defenses, has triggered strong protests from opposition groups and warnings from some allies.
All of New Zealand's 17 aging Skyhawk fighter-bombers and 17 Aermacchi jet trainers will be axed along with some 700 air force personnel by the end of the year.
The cuts will also see the navy lose half of its large warships and focus more on coastal and fisheries protection with small patrol boats. It will retain two advanced frigate warships for international operations, while the air force will be mainly a transport and patrol force.
NZ disarmament threat to alliance
By MARK FORBES
DEFENCE CORRESPONDENT
Wednesday 9 May 2001
New Zealand has rebuffed Australian requests to reduce or delay defence force cuts, yesterday cutting its navy and abolishing its air combat force, a move that could threaten the Anzac partnership.
Prime Minister John Howard and Defence Minister Peter Reith failed to persuade NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark to delay axing a squadron of Skyhawk fighter bombers during her visit last month.
The cutbacks will force Australia to spend millions covering the loss of the Skyhawks, as six of the jets are based in New South Wales (Australia)and perform a vital training role. Mr Reith's office indicated Australia would try to recruit the Skyhawks' pilots and crews.
Executive director of the Australian Defence Association Michael O'Connor urged the government to consider ending the military alliance with NZ because of the cuts.
"New Zealand is going to construct a force that can't operate alongside ours," Mr O'Connor said. "It's going to be a police force, not a military force."
Australia's defence white paper would have to be re-examined to "fill the gaps" created by NZ cuts, he said. The 17 Skyhawks should be bought and two more Anzac frigates considered.
Mr Howard said the changes were an issue for New Zealand, but warned they could have international consequences. "Every time a country takes a decision about the size and the readiness of its defence force, that decision has both domestic and international consequences," he said.
Mr Reith's spokesman said Australia remained fully committed to its alliance with NZ. Although Australia will need to find replacements for the Skyhawks until new planes are built, he played down buying the ageing Skyhawks.
"There is no suggestion it would be appropriate to purchase the aircraft," the spokesman said. "However, there may exist opportunities to utilise the skills of pilots and crews."
The annual cost of operating the Skyhawk squadron is understood to be about $10 million. The NZ opposition promised to reinstate some air combat capability if it is elected next year, complaining of an over-reliance on Australia.
The cuts will also see the navy lose half its large warships and focus more on coastal and fisheries protection with small patrol boats. It will keep two advanced frigates.
The air force will be used for transport and surveillance. New helicopters, transport and maritime surveillance aircraft have been promised. The army will get 105 new light armored vehicles and 115 light operational vehicles in a focus on regional peacekeeping.
Ms Clark said funding for the NZ Defence Forces would rise around $600 million over the next 10 years, while $800 million would be added to capital investment plans.
