There are simulation & training missiles. UTM-84L's if they are going into the Harpoon camp or they may go for the JSM camp. The good news is 6 hours old so I can wait until it becomes clearer. Best of all they got the right platform for the next 35 years!
I agree that the NZDF should also look at getting some sort of standoff AShM or other multi-role PGM, and of course develop a doctrine for use and train on it. My point was more about what options there would be, provided NZ did not at some point go it's own way with upgrades. Again referring back to the re-wing of the Orions, if something had come up, or were to come up now, where the Orions needed an anti-shipping capability there would be a very significant hurdle to overcome, beyond just getting the ordnance and training crews on how to use it. The Orions would need to be re-winged again, but this time with the appropriate wiring harness and databus installed in the wing. Even if this was done on an emergency basis, I suspect it would likely take weeks to carry out such an installation.
Having seen what the costs were just for the 2nd hand aircraft, I am now trying to see what else was available in terms of aircraft, and at what pricing. The latest model of the B737 MAX goes for about 4x what the used B757's went for, but that is in 2018 dollars and not 2003 dollars.
The Norwegians are acquiring 5 P-8A aircraft so I would think that they will integrate the JSM into it. Might be worthwhile for NZ and Australia to become part of that integration effort.
Thanks. There are some old 5 Sqn dudes on social media who flew on Sunderlands and P-3s that have trouble understanding the attributes of the P-8A. Sometimes I wonder if they think that we should reactivate the Sunderland at MOTAT in Auckland. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
Surely govt will take advantage of all the P8s range of abilities, including weapons delivery, otherwise it is a pretty gold plated SAR bus for the price and all the talking up they did to push it and its long list of attributes to the public. To sell the pacific reset to the likes of the US and Aus we need to be seen to be serious on the matter, P8 is a good step in that direction, a more robust attitude towards the combat side of it's capability is another including weapon systems, training with and maintaining upgrades as and when needed.In relation to potential P-8 weapon systems, the CDF, when interviewed by Newshub tonight said they "are keeping their options open, for a full range spectrum of military operations".
Considering that it's a Labour-NZF coalition govt that have made the bold steps of committing to the purchase of P-8's today, publicly criticised both China and Russian last Friday for undermining the "international rules-based order" (which has never happened before under any NZ govt in the last 20-30 years or so), are calling for greater US and Australian presence in the South Pacific, are investing in a new multi-billion dollar "Pacific Reset" diplomatic and foreign aid programme .... I doubt the govt will unnecessarily compromise any P-8 weapon systems. After all why compromise a quarter-of-a-billion dollar asset with "dumb" weapons that would put the aircraft in harms way etc?
Even the media are reporting the P-8's will re-locate to Ohakea so they can be "weaponised"!
Yes the only way I can see us getting another P8 at this stage is as a replacement (god forbid) if we ever lost one, as surely 4 is bare minimum for what we do so would'nt want to get any lower. I think they will just put more of an effort into the complimentary option, a well equipped tier 2 geared more towards the humanitarian SAR side so that the P8s can better concentrate the high end stuff. Obviously the better specced they go for then the more slack that can be taken up from the P8 fleet so could range from a "proper" fitted with B350 to a C295 MPA to the dummed down boeing buisness jet version or even the fabled sea hawk at the top end (of the mid range that is) all with considerations such as range, load, features etc meaning they can patrol out further, stay up longer, locate things easier and assist accordingly, again relieving pressure off the small P8 fleet.
The NZ government seems to be finally waking up to the fact that they are part of the South Pacific region and that their interests extend beyond their EEZ. That they are calling for a greater US and Australian presence in the region and chose the P-8 over less capable designs may indicate that they are willing to continue expanding their own military capabilities.In relation to potential P-8 weapon systems, the CDF, when interviewed by Newshub tonight said they "are keeping their options open, for a full range spectrum of military operations".
Considering that it's a Labour-NZF coalition govt that have made the bold steps of committing to the purchase of P-8's today, publicly criticised both China and Russian last Friday for undermining the "international rules-based order" (which has never happened before under any NZ govt in the last 20-30 years or so), are calling for greater US and Australian presence in the South Pacific, are investing in a new multi-billion dollar "Pacific Reset" diplomatic and foreign aid programme .... I doubt the govt will unnecessarily compromise any P-8 weapon systems. After all why compromise a quarter-of-a-billion dollar asset with "dumb" weapons that would put the aircraft in harms way etc?
Even the media are reporting the P-8's will re-locate to Ohakea so they can be "weaponised"!
Interesting aspect of the move to Ohakea (for 5 Squadron so far) is that it will reinforce the push for Whenuapai to be converted to housing, as was done for Hobsonville nearby (and Wigram in Christchurch). This move may prove attractive to aircrew, given the much lower cost of housing in the Manawatu - and Palmerston North offers job and educational opportunities for spouses and family. Not to mention a much simpler and shorter commute.
Don't NZDF personnel get Subsidised Rental Housing like their ADF counterparts?
We used too. When I was in my weekly rent for a married quarter was about $10.00. I believe that now they charge market rents for what MQ's that are left.
Yeah nah. She is entitled to her opinion. Since the Greens don't have many Cabinet Ministers, they don't have a chance with this idea. Talking of them I see Keith Locke was mouthing off about the P-8s yesterday and Russel Norman the other day. A waste of oxygen.
In Australia we have a company called Defence Housing Australia which runs the MQs on behalf of the DOD. They lease the House off the owner for a period of about 7 years(always advertising on the Radio for Houses). The owner is guaranteed weekly rent irrespective of the House being occupied or not. Sounds like a great deal for the owner. Don't know what the members are paying these days(used to be well below Market value) but with the wide despertion of Military bases and the remotness of some Bases, it probably still is.
Golriz Ghahraman will likely be a tiny irrelevant footnote in NZ political history by the time the P-8's arrive and her party is not looking to flash either.
The thing with the Greens is they live in an ideal world... their heads in the clouds... but often those clouds look to be those of a certain 'weed' being smoked rather than the water-vapour kind P8's will be charging thru!
Poor dears! Move an hour or so South of Auckland.