Ukraine likes Hawkie. But they want Bushmaster, more power pack upgrade. If the kiwis would get there heads into the game perhaps Hawkie variants could be pulled through from the Bushmaster variants. Even if NZDF budget was pushed to 5% I wouldn't be recommending tanks. I'd be recommending Hawkeye variants and vanilla Redbacks with anti drone solutions being built and added on hopefully in NZ by NZ further placing each in each other's pocket. As lucky as Australia is it does have limited resources it can't just build things for the sake of it.
Why would NZ purchase Hawkie, when we have already purchased our first batch of vehicle's to replace our Pinz, Bushmaster is what we want and need more of to fully equip both RF Infantry Battalions with enough to provide a training pool for our TF Battalions.
Perhaps I was taught differently. When singing out of tune, I was taught to rejoin a little ahead of the sheet. Besides, I didn't "suggest" Hawkei as a battlefield taxi.
Dont change the subject and answer the question why should NZ purchase Hawkei? its a simple enough question.
A couple reasons. One reason is DCP25 calls for procuring the same assets as Australia and second is the integration of C4ISR. While Bushmaster is a troop carrier. NZ Army would utilise both Bushmaster and Hawkie differently than even the Australians would while being consistent with NZDFs own CANOPS or allowing for smaller HQ elements to stay protected and connected.
With factors such as disbanding the ACF and having to resource Navy to a higher degree than traditionally proposed won't be able to afford PrSM. A 6 pack of dumb rockets and a simulator would make the next step up a lot less daunting.
Once everything goes hot, budgets and treasure become available. Until then NZDF artillery requirements. You're probably going to want to be able to drive out of a C-130 and start blasting then shot and scoot. Or something that approximates NZDF CANOPS of an area denial capability that fits within a sometimes 2% budget or better.