New Zealand’s military faces increased challenges over the next 25 years, particularly from fragile Pacific Island states, and must increase its frontline capabilities, according to the long awaited NZ Defence Force white paper.
Released in early November, the White Paper, the first in 13 years, recommends ‘civilianising’ up to 1,400 support positions currently occupied by uniformed personnel and shifting the money saved to frontline forces.
The review said that while New Zealand was unlikely to face a direct military threat, the country’s main sphere of influence in the Pacific faced potential risks from political instability, natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
The outlook for the South Pacific was one of fragility, the review noted, adding that the military must be capable of carrying out lengthy deployments in the region.
In a broader context the review said the US was likely to remain the preeminent military power for the next 25 years, but its technological edge would diminish.
It also said that the NZDF needed the capacity to make a credible contribution to stability in Asia if required, also noting that tensions around the Korean Peninsular, Taiwan and the South China Sea would continue.
New Zealand has about 10,000 military personnel with another 2,500 reservists and 2,500 civilians employed by the NZDF.
To increase the military’s frontline capacity the review said the number of NZDF bases should be reduced with a joint army/air force facility at Ohakea on the North Island.
Combined with increased use of civilian support this should free up about A$311 million a year to contribute to additional military equipment.
Projects to benefit would include new helicopters worth A$700 million, new ships worth $389 million, and A$467 million in aircraft upgrades.
A copy of the paper can be downloaded at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/defence+white+paper+2010