As predicted in January 2017 when I said "I think NZ buying 4 x P-8 Poseidon MPAs is more likely...This is noting NZ's main ally, Australia, is buying the P-8."
The New Zealand Defence Minister, Ron Mark, July 9, 2018, announced it is buying 4 x P-8 MPAs. Ron Mark notes the purchase will allow New Zealand to "work effectively with partners including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which all operate, or will operate, [P-8s]”
Pete
The New Zealand Defence Minister, Ron Mark, July 9, 2018, announced it is buying 4 x P-8 MPAs. Ron Mark notes the purchase will allow New Zealand to "work effectively with partners including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which all operate, or will operate, [P-8s]”
Pete
1 comment:
Its an obvious choice in many ways but not really the best for NZ. They tried for commonality with RAN and bought standard Seasprite helicopter, however the Australian version with its locally developed software was unusable , so they sold the airframes to NZ who are quite happy with them. The Anzac frigates are now diverging for both countries mid life update.
Due to the P-8s poor runway performance , a legacy of its small 737 based wing, the new plane and whole squadron will have to move from its current outside Auckland base Whenuapai to Ohakea in the lower North Island with its longer runway. This will require substantial new facilities and the base has higher natural risks from ash clouds from close by Mt Ruapehu and is in a generally higher earthquake risk zone.
Meanwhile the RNZAF 757s ( 115 T MTOW) which are bigger and heavier than the P8 (86T MTOW)will stay at Whenuapai ( whos runway could easily be extended)
NZ could find, unlike its Orions which were purchase as P-3B versions and had their own updates to become P-3K, that they will be locked into the USN -RAN update process which could become un-affodable- the reason they didnt buy the newest P-3C Update III when they came available
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