New Zealand, Singapore still in talks over F-15SG deployment

New Zealand’s Defense Minister Ron Mark said in a statement on Mar. 13 that his country is still evaluating a proposal by Singapore to send a detachment of F-15SG fighters to Ohakea Air Force Base.

Exercise Southern Katipo 2017 Highlights

New Sniper Rifle for the NZ Army

New Zealand to Retire Replenishment Ship

New Zealand to Retire Replenishment Ship in December 2017

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) will retire its 138 m replenishment ship, HMNZS Endeavour (A 11), on 15 December.

The vessel, which has been in service since April 1988, will be retired in a decommissioning ceremony that will be held at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, said the service.

Endeavour was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Ulsan, South Korea. The ship is based on a commercial tanker design, but with a naval replenishment-at-sea (RAS) rig.

Endeavour will be replaced with a new 24,000-tonne maritime sustainment capability (MSC) vessel, which has also been contracted to HHI. (Jane's)

The Royal New Zealand Navy's support tanker, HMNZS Endeavour, is making a last visit to its home port of New Plymouth before being decommissioned.

HMNZS Endeavour is preparing to make its last visit to its home port of New Plymouth.

The Royal New Zealand Navy's support tanker is to be decommissioned in December after 30 years of service.

The decommissioning will begin with a week-long visit to Port Taranaki, beginning on November 14

Events will include an official reception two days later, when there will be a ceremonial sunset and beating the retreat.

On November 18, there will be a parade from Queen Street to the Puke Ariki landing, where the commanding officer, Commander Martin Doolan, will hand back the city charter to Mayor Neil Holdom.

"Endeavour's affiliation with Taranaki included a charter between the ship and the district that gives the ship's company 'the right and privilege of marching with drums beating, band playing, colours flying, bayonets fixed and swords drawn'," Commander Doolan said.

"They will exercise this right for the final time on the Saturday with the parade and ceremony." (NZ City)

New Zealand Mounted Rifles - The Capture of Tel el Saba

New Zealand Digitises Its Army

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has purchased the Command & Control and Battle Management System SitaWare, which provides a complete picture of the battlefield and allows information to be shared quickly. Learn why New Zealand decided to invest in SitaWare from Systematic.

Digitising the New Zealand Army

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has acquired the Command & Control and Battle Management System SitaWare from Systematic. Until now, the New Zealand Army relies mostly on manual processes to receive and disseminate information, but with the purchase of SitaWare the army will soon have access to cutting-edge communication systems.

“The purchase is a part of a programme to digitise the Army to provide modern command, communication, battle management, and surveillance capabilities,” the Defence Minister, Gerry Brownlee, says in a press release from the New Zealand Government.

Why have a network enabled army?

“The new system will enable NZDF to gain a complete picture of the situation on the ground and share information quickly,” Gerry Brownlee says.

Furthermore, SitaWare eases the process of collaborating with partners. “It will also enable the Defence Force to operate seamlessly with partners when deployed in a coalition,” Gerry Brownlee continues.

“The SitaWare system will link headquarters, units, vehicles and individuals, allowing Army to get a full picture of the battlefield and share information quickly."

Support for the soldiers

Despite an extensive technological transformation, the acquisition of SitaWare does not change what the Army does. “This system won’t change what the Army does, but it will provide advanced tools and techniques to support our soldiers, such as ‘blue force tracking’ and a common operating picture of troop movements," Gerry Brownlee explains.

The New Zealand Army has used the SitaWare system for several years for training, experimentation, and field exercises supported by Systematic’s local business partner, Eagle Technology Group Ltd.

The role of Systematic

SitaWare is developed by Systematic, but the responsibility goes far beyond that. “We will also assist the NZDF team in providing architecture and system design services, along with implementation and integration support,” Mike Magill, President Systematic Asia-Pacific explains.

“A key feature of the support services is that they will take account of evolving and maturing requirements through the set-up of an ‘Agile’ project environment managed by Systematic,” Mike Magill continues.

Navigation Bridge System for the Royal New Zealand Navy

Kelvin Hughes is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a contract by Hyundai Heavy Industries to supply the Integrated Navigation Bridge System (INBS) for The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Maritime Sustainment Capability (MSC) Vessel.

The INBS system meets the requirements of IMO Lloyds Register Class Notation IBS and Naval Ship Code. It includes a dual redundant data distribution system and fully integrated Kelvin Hughes multifunction displays. The radar system takes advantage of the Kelvin Hughes’ advanced solid state SharpEye™ Doppler radars that bring full situational awareness to the bridge even in the most severe weather conditions.

The MSC tanker is the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) future ice-capable fleet replenishment tanker and will be the largest vessel to be operated by the RNZN. With a scheduled delivery of the ship in 2020 by Hyundai Heavy Industries and the RNZN planning to induct the vessel in 2021, Kelvin Hughes will supply the bridge system for installation in 2018. The MSC vessel was approved by The Government of New Zealand in June 2014 allowing the tender to be released in March 2015. The contract was awarded to Hyundai Heavy Industries in July that year for $493 million and the vessel will be built at the Ulsan Shipyard in South Korea.

The scope of work includes the design and integration of the Kelvin Hughes supplied navigation equipment and Shipyard supplied systems in a suite of bridge consoles manufactured in Korea.

Spike Hughes, Sales and Marketing Director at Kelvin Hughes stated:
“Kelvin Hughes has been designing integrated navigation bridge systems for over three decades and has a wealth of experience which enables us to meet the demanding requirements of specialist naval bridges for the RNZN and also The Royal Navy’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tide Class”.

The navigation radar sensors selected are to be SharpEye™ S and X-Band and one S-Band SharpEye™ sensor optimised for helicopter approach and control.

On the bridge of any ship, the navigation radars are essential for the safe navigation of the vessel and safety of life onboard. SharpEye™ provides an advanced radar sensor that through the Doppler processing, enhanced pulse compression and Moving Target Detection (MTD) processing, provides unprecedented situational awareness, detecting small targets on the sea surface and low aerial targets such as helicopters out to the horizon in severe weather conditions. The combination of these radar techniques enables the sea and rain clutter to be filtered out without losing the radar targets of interest. This is especially important when protecting the ship from threats such as swimmers, RHIBs and other low Radar Cross Section (RCS) threats.

SharpEye™ detection performance, removes the need for a helicopter transponder. The MSC will control flight deck operations, recovery and local airspace management through two helicopter control displays with tactical software. In total, there will be eleven displays on the bridge as part of the IMO compliant system.

New Zealand Defence Force Acquire Enterprise Licence of VBS3 FiresFST

SimCentric are proud to announce the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) concluded their acquisition of a perpetual enterprise licence of VBS3 FiresFST in July 2017. This procurement marks the culmination of a strong collaborative effort over several years between SimCentric, Bohemia Interactive Simulations, the NZDF Mission Command Training School (MCTS) and the New Zealand School of Artillery to fully integrate VBS3 FiresFST into the Joint Fires Observer (JFO) training continuum.

To date, NZDF has utilised VBS3 FiresFST software as the primary simulation training tool for the past two JFO courses, with further refinement and evolution already scoped to continue to build upon existing successes. From foundation use in the School of Artillery, VBS3 FiresFST is already being scoped for expanded use across 16th Artillery Brigade, deployable systems for use in operational theatres, and within the existing Meggitt Weapon Training Simulation System (WTSS) for NZDF.


SimCentric Vice President-Strategy, Mr Gareth Collier commented “The New Zealand Artillery community are a highly professional fraternity, and amongst the most technically proficient practitioners in the world. They are also very forward leaning in the field of simulation incorporation into training.

To have VBS3 FiresFST selected as NZDF’s JFO simulation training solution is something we are very proud of. While we are thrilled at the level of integration that has occurred within their Call for Fire and Close Air Support training continuums, we look forward to evolving this capability even further in the coming years to ensure the training and assessment requirements of NZDF are achieved.”

New Zealand Seeks to Acquire Fixed-Wing Transport Capability

New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and has released a Request For Information (RfI), dubbed the Future Air Mobility Capability (FAMC), as the country is looking for fixed-wing transport to replace its Boeing 757-200 and Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules turbofan transport and turboprop freighter within the next five years. Another RFI, dubbed the Future Air Surveillance Capability (FASC) was also issued to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Lockheed Martin P-3K2 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, which are due to be retired in the mid-2020s.

The FAMC RFI states that the country seeks to replace the RNZAF’s current five C-130Hs and two 757-200s with a “no less than … equivalent” capability. The document also specifies that the C-130H replacement should be delivered by February 2020, with an Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for February 2021 and a full operational capability (FOC) “no later than 2024.” As for the replacement of the 757-200, the first replacement aircraft will be “required” by February 2025, with an IOC scheduled for February 2026.

The potential number of aircraft options and contenders for the RNSAF’s FAMC is limited, especially with the Boeing C-17A Globemaster-III turbofan freighter being out of production. This would leave Airbus’ A400M and C-295; Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Hercules, the Kawasaki C-2; Leonardo/Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan and the Embraer KC-390 turbofan and turboprop freighters as possible candidates.

Regarding the FASC RFI, seeking to replace the six upgraded P-3K2 Orions currently in service with the RNZAF, it states that New Zealand: “seeks information on platforms and services that could potentially contribute to solutions for Defence to be able to continue to provide the New Zealand Government with air surveillance operations beyond the withdrawal of the current P-3K2 Orion capability, planned for the middle of the next decade.” The document also stipulates that the FASC operational concept “will be largely a continuation of the extant P-3K2 Orion based concept, adapted to exploit any greater platform and capability systems performance of the FASC fleet and support systems.” Also, it continues, “the capacity of FASC to deliver at least the current rates of effort, between 2500 to 3200 hours of airborne operations per year, is expected from the project.”

MARS-L New IW for NZDF

New Zealand seeking to buy four P-8As

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress on the potential sale of four Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft to New Zealand on Apr. 27.

New Zealand Navy will Receive Navy’s Largest Ship

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has announced that the name of its newest and biggest ship will be HMNZS Aotearoa.

Construction of the new 24,000-tonne vessel, the largest ship ever operated by the RNZN, will start next year, for delivery in January 2020.

Five members of an RNZN panel, chaired by Deputy Chief of Navy Commodore David Gibbs, considered a range of names, with a shortlist presented to Chief of Navy Rear Admiral John Martin for his final decision.

It was a big name for a big ship, Rear Admiral Martin said.

“HMNZS Aotearoa will represent us as a nation on the international stage whether conducting operational support, maritime sustainment or providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Aotearoa will be recognisable within the Pacific region and identifiable with all New Zealanders.”

HMNZS Aotearoa has twice the displacement of HMNZS Endeavour, which is scheduled for decommissioning next year, and will carry 30 per cent more fuel. South Korean firm Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s biggest shipbuilder, will build Aotearoa.Rear Admiral Martin said Aotearoa, while replacing Endeavour, offered more than just a replenishment role.

“Aotearoa will have the ability to deploy anywhere in the world to support maritime operations and enhance our combat force,” he said. “It has the ability to conduct embarked helicopter operations and will be capable of carrying a significant tonnage of operational supplies. And it will provide an important Antarctic support capability to assist with our Southern Ocean monitoring.”

HMNZS Aotearoa will be a world-first naval “Environship”, with Hyundai using the Rolls-Royce Environship concept design under licence. The design incorporates a new wave-piercing hull, which reduces resistance and lowers fuel use, while its combined diesel electric and diesel propulsion plant has lower fuel emissions than older vessels.

The design and capabilities of HMNZS Aotearoa were announced by the Ministry of Defence in 2016. The cost includes the tanker’s enhanced “winterisation” capabilities, such as ice-strengthening for operations in Antarctica, including resupplying McMurdo Station and Scott Base. HMNZS Endeavour is not Antarctic-capable.

The Defence White Paper 2016 identified Antarctica as a “focus on increasing international interest” while noting the New Zealand Defence Force’s “critical role” in supporting personnel in the Ross Dependency and monitoring activity in the Southern Ocean.

“Aotearoa will be the type of purpose-built, technologically enhanced asset that will add real value to our combat operations, humanitarian relief functions and our operational and training support,” Rear Admiral Martin said.

New Plymouth, Endeavour’s home port, would become the home port for Aotearoa, he said.

“This continues the longstanding relationship the RNZN has had with the Taranaki region, and its link to the sea. It also recognises the connection between the area’s oil and gas industry and the role of Aotearoa in providing fuel services.”

Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy would be the official Lady Sponsor of Aotearoa, Rear Admiral Martin said.

“As the representative of our Head of State, she is a fitting dignitary to launch the ship.”

The ship’s name is a deliberate nod to the famous battle cruiser HMS New Zealand, which took part in three maritime battles in the First World War.

“I’m proud that Aotearoa acknowledges what has gone before but this time with a uniquely Kiwi flavour,” Rear Admiral Martin said.

NZ Defence Force - B757 supporting the new Antarctic season of the year!

New Zealand - Modernization of Canterbury and Protector Class Ship

The Ministry of Defence of New Zealand issued a request for proposal (RFI) on the modernization of the ship limited multitasking HMNZS Canterbury (L421) and patrol vessel HMNZS Otago (P148) and HMNZS Wellington (P55), type Protector class. The purpose of the tender will be to select a supplier of new communication systems and data, which will replace the currently operated sets.

Modernization of vessels, due to their limited character, has run fast. Command of the Royal New Zealand Navy (Royal Navy of New Zealand) most likely will depend on the fact that the project was completed in 2017. The new communications system probably will be equipped for 3 patrol boat type Protector, Wellington will announce the winner before the holidays.

Mounting kits efficient communication and data transmission is to raise the level of cooperation with other units at sea. Increased situational awareness is also commanding officers, who will have easier access to information collected by the devices for marine environment. The new systems will be in operation at least until mid-l. 2030, when these vessels should be withdrawn from the line.

NZ Defence Forces - Bloodhound Loose - RIMPAC 16

New Zealand Defense Force - TE KAHA goes live

Testing New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Combat Capability at RIMPAC

Ships and aircraft of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) have joined forces to hunt down an “enemy” submarine and attack it with torpedoes.

The live firing test took place this week off Hawaii during RIMPAC 2016 – the world’s biggest international maritime exercise.

The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha, her Seasprite helicopter and two P-3K2 Orions from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) No 5 Squadron each fired a torpedo at the target, a remote underwater vehicle playing the part of a submarine.

Anti-submarine warfare is a key part of the NZDF’s maritime combat capability and the exercise provided an intense test of the combined skills of the ship, helicopter and the two Orions.

Orion pilot Flight Lieutenant Jonathan Pound said: “Sonar buoys have to be laid in a particular pattern to hunt a submarine. For us, this involved precision flying from 2000 feet to as low as 200 feet above the sea.

“It also included steep turns – a 60 degree angle of bank – which meant the Orion was essentially on its side and the crew was experiencing 2G, twice the force of gravity.”

The Commanding Officer of No 5 Squadron, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Daniel Hunt, said the torpedo drop was the first by an RNZAF aircraft in over five years.

“The range here in Hawaii has the ability to provide almost instantaneous feedback to the crew about how accurate the drop was. This allows us to externally validate our processes and procedures and ensure we have an effective combat capability.

“In New Zealand we do not have a range with this sort of fidelity and the cost of owning one would be prohibitive, which is why attendance at RIMPAC is such a major event for the team.”

He said the technology involved was crucial to the exercise.

“It provides valuable opportunities for us to train and learn with our multi-national partners.

“It was a real team effort from loading the torpedoes to locating, tracking and attacking the target below the surface. It’s a great demonstration of our warfare capability.” (NZDF)

Weapons Away!

Following on from the bombing camp earlier in the month, our Force Elements at

A total of four torpedoes were dropped, two from the P-3 (above), one from the Seasprite, and one launched from TE KAHA.

The Mk46 torpedo is the RNZAF's primary Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) weapon. The joint task force tracked the "submarine" (simulated by a remote underwater vehicle), a task that required the full attention and coordination of the entire crew, before launching their attacks. (RNZAF)

New Zealand Replaces Old Seasprite Helicopters

Five Kaman SH-2G(NZ) will be replaced by eight newer model SH-2G(I) helicopters (photo : NZDF)

The New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) five Kaman SH-2G(NZ) Seasprite naval helicopters became officially retired Thursday. They will be replaced by eight newer model, SH-2G(I) helicopters.

April 21 will see the last flight of the NZ model when the remaining aircraft return from assisting the disaster relief recovery operation in Fiji. The SH-2G(NZ) aircraft have served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) since August 2001.

“Upgrading the naval helicopter fleet from five to eight plus a simulator gives the New Zealand Defence Force a significant increase in capability, allowing the Navy to embark up to three helicopters from ships concurrently as opposed to the current two that are available,” Chief of the Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies, said.

Unusually, the Naval Helicopter Force Seasprites are maintained by the RNZAF but operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy.

In addition to improved performance and sensors the ‘I’ model Seasprite is armed with AGM-119 Penguin anti-ship missiles, replacing the AGM-65 Mavericks used with the earlier model Seasprites.

New Zealand - Operation Pacific Relief

H145 VIP transport in New Zealand 2016 02