I hope KRudd puts pressure on the NZers to meet their commitments to the relationship. I'm not saying NZ should reinstate their air combat wing, but they should accept that if they don't then they will need to contribute something to Australia's (be it pilots, bases, or logistical support.)

 

I definitely think there can be some efficiencies gained from this in joint operations, but there also needs to be the ability for either partner to choose which situations they go into together. (like GW2 - NZ's government adamently refused any combat role in the conflict.)

From memory, based on size of economy, The New Zealand defense budget is way below proportional to the ADF budget.

 

That would have to be an issue right off.

 

GREAT to see my ideas are finally catching on, only took three years .....http://www.strategypage.com/CuteSoft_Client/CuteEditor/Images/emsmiled.gif" alt="" />

 

 

Now when can I expect ....... http://www.strategypage.com/CuteSoft_Client/CuteEditor/Images/emwink.gif" alt="" /> ... (heheh)

it's not a new idea.  it was raised initially 12 years ago.  Rudd is just doing a lazarus on an idea flagged by the previous govt and whicg was rejected because the kiwis weren't that keen (political issues, and still smarting over "sovereignty issues" triggered by getting "locked" out of meaningful ANZUS involvement for sticking it to the yanks.

Maybe they could provide crews for our submarines?

 

 

the previous NZ PM was a reknown anti war protester in her earlier days - no surprise she ran down the NZ defense budget...

 

If i was Australia during this period, i would stay away from a one sided partnership too...

Obviously Oz is much bigger (budget, population, etc) but i am more interested in what NZ can bring to the table rather than what they can't.  As someone mentioned, is basing a good option for Oz with us providing the hardware and NZ providing the sites and logistics ?  Stupid idea ?

 

Comabt wise, what is NZ good at and what is Oz good at.  I'm thinking NZ spec ops have a reasonable reputation - what about a joint SOCOM arrangement or would the politics be to great to administer ?

NZ is great at peacekeeping operations (Sinai, Bosnia, E Timor, Provincial Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan.)

 

Also the NZSAS... Willie Apiata is the only living SAS member (world wide) to be awarded a VC for his activities in Afghanistan. NZSAS also recieved a Presidential Citation for their Afghan contribution.

 

The NZ ANZAC frigates and Off Shore Partol vessels could serve in a combined ANZAC marine fleet for ASW, or Economic Exclusion Zone patrolling.

 

The Skyhawks are in storage - but could be returned to service. They are the worlds most sophisticated A4s (as much sophistication as you can expect from such a aged plane...)

Reading that makes me sound like a NZDF fanboy - don't get me wrong,  they also seriously lack equipment too...

 

No Tanks

No Air Combat Arm

The NZ ANZAC Frigates need upgrading

The HMNZS Endeavour (Multi Role Vessel) is a dog. (actually - it'll be a og when it grows up, right now it's just a pup...)

 

On the positive side, the NH90's will serve as a great medium lift helo, they have "spare" LAVIII that could act as part of a ANZAC Cavalry Div. Their Seasprites are operational...