Armée Neo-Zélandaise / New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

Rappel du premier message :

Citation :

Le nouveau patrouilleur neo-zélandais déjà en panne


Le nouveau patrouilleur de la marine néo-zéalndaise, le HMNZS Otago, a retardé son arrivée en Nouvelle-Zélande après que des problèmes de moteur l’aient affecté durant le weekend au large de l’Australie.

Le patrouilleur HMNZS Otago devait arrivé vendredi dernier à Auckland. Il est maintenant de retour au chantier Williamstown de Melbourne (Australie) où il était resté amarré depuis 2 ans à cause d’un problème financier avec ses constructeurs.
Le porte-parole de la marine, le Commander Phil Bradshaw, a expliqué que l’Otago effectuait des essais à la mer au large de Melbourne lorsqu’ils ont eu un problème d’injection de carburant sur un moteur. Ils étaient en train de réparer quand une alarme s’est déclenché sur l’autre moteur.
"Ils ont jugé plus prudent de retourner au port pour s’assurer que les moteurs étaient parfaits avant d’appareiller," a-t-il indiqué en précisant que le bâtiment était toujours sous garantie.
Le patrouilleur est rentré à Melbourne par ses propres moyens. Le premier moteur a été réparé, mais le second a besoin d’une pièce de rechange. Elle doit être acheminée depuis l’Allemagne, mais le Commander Bradshaw a indiqué qu’il était possible qu’une puisse être trouvée en Australie.
"Si c’est le cas, l’Otago pourrait appareiller pour la Nouvelle-Zélande à la fin de la semaine."

Stuff

en fait le retard n'était pas du au probléme financier, mais ces navires seraient trop lourd de 100 tonnes (font un surpoids de 6,25 %, ce qui n'est pas si extraordinaire que ça ) et incapables de naviguer en Antartique.

Citation :

New Zealand Army

Soldiers from Bravo Company 2/4 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) take part in Exercise Maleme in the pine forests at Milton, South Otago. The weekend long field training exercise was designed to develop and test close country infantry skills from individual to platoon level.

Citation :

  New Zealand’s future hydrography ship begins sea trials

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - Jane's Navy International

14 March 2019


The future HMNZS Manawanui, seen here in Royal New Zealand Navy livery and hull number. Source: Royal New Zealand Navy


Key Points
•A hydrographic and diving support vessel meant for the Royal New Zealand Navy has begun trials to validate its naval equipment
•The service is on track to operate the ship by November

The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN's) future hydrographic and diving support vessel, which will be known as HMNZS Manawanui once commissioned, has received its service livery and begun a series of sea trials off the coast of Denmark.

The trials are being used to confirm that naval equipment on board the ship are performing as expected, the RNZN said via its official social media account on 15 March. Images of the vessel accompanying the post indicate the hull number as A 09, although the ship's original name, Edda Fonn , is being retained until closer to its commissioning ceremony.

The 85 m vessel arrived in Frederikshavn, Denmark, from Norway in February, according to data from IHS Markit's Maritime Portal. It was previously in service as a commercial offshore support vessel and had arrived in Denmark to be fitted out according to RNZN requirements.

Edda Fonn was acquired by the New Zealand government in 2018 for NZD103 million (USD70 million). It was procured to fulfil operational gaps in the RNZN's diving support and maritime survey capabilities following the retirements of its hydrographic ship HMNZS Resolution in 2012 and dive tender HMNZS Manawanui in 2018.

Edda Fonn is 84.7 m long, has an overall beam of 18 m, a hull draught of 6.3 m, and is equipped with a 100-tonne salvage crane. Powered by four diesel-electric engines driving two azimuth propulsion systems, the 5,700-tonne vessel can reach a top speed of 13 kt.

The vessel can accommodate a core crew of 39, with 27 more bunks for mission-specific personnel.
 

Citation :

South Korea’s HHI Launches RNZN’s Future Fleet Support Vessel

26 April 2019


South Korean shipbuilder HHI launched the RNZN's future fleet replenishment vessel, Aotearoa, on 24 April at the company's dockyard in Ulsan. (photo : YonhapNews)

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) launched the Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN's) future fleet tanker/replenishment vessel at the company's dockyard in the southeastern coast al city of Ulsan on 24 April.

The 173 m-long auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR) ship, which will be known as HMNZS Aotearoa once commissioned, was floated in the drydock at Ulsan in a ceremony attended by RNZN chief Rear Admiral David Proctor, among others.

Ordered for NZD493 million (USD323 million) in 2016 under New Zealand's Maritime Sustainment Capability (MSC) programme, the vessel was laid down in August 2018 and is expected to be delivered and commissioned in 2020 when it will replace fleet replenishment tanker Endeavour , which was decommissioned in December 2017.

(Jane's)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2019/04/south-koreas-hhi-launches-rnzns-future.html

Citation :

RNZN commissions new hydrographic vessel

Gabriel Dominguez, London - Jane's Defence Weekly

07 June 2019


The RNZN’s new hydrography ship, HMNZS Manawanui, is seen here before it was commissioned on 7 June at the Devonport Naval
Base in Auckland. Source: RNZN


The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN's) new hydrographic and diving support vessel has entered service, according to a statement issued by the government of New Zealand.

HMNZS Manawanui was commissioned on 7 June in a ceremony held at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, and presided over by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The 84.7 m-long vessel, which is set to be home-ported at Gisborne on the country's North Island, had arrived in New Zealand a few weeks earlier following a 46 day-long journey from Denmark.

It sailed into Wellington Harbour on 12 May after leaving the Danish port of Frederikshavn on its delivery voyage to New Zealand via the Panama Canal: a distance of 11,570 n miles (21,427 km). Manawanui had been sent to Denmark from Norway in February to be fitted out and conduct subsequent sea trials according to RNZN requirements.

The ship, which had previously been in service as a commercial offshore support vessel known as Edda Fonn, was procured by New Zealand in August 2018 for NZD103 million (USD67.3 million) to fulfil operational gaps in the RNZN's diving support and maritime survey capabilities following the retirement of the service᾿s hydrographic ship, HMNZS Resolution, in 2012 and of the dive tender HMNZS Manawanui in 2018.

The new vessel, which bears pennant number A 09, has an overall beam of 18 m, a hull draught of 6.3 m, and is equipped with a 100-tonne salvage crane. Powered by four diesel-electric engines driving two azimuth propulsion systems, the 5,700-tonne vessel can reach a top speed of 13 kt.

The ship, which is also fitted with a diving chamber and a helicopter flight deck, can accommodate a core crew of 39, with 27 more bunks for mission-specific personnel.
 

Citation :

New Zealand Selects C-130J-30 Super Hercules

11 Juni 2019


C-130J-30 Super Hercules (photo : Wiki)


Super Hercules selected as preferred option

Defence Minister Ron Mark has announced the selection of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules as the preferred option for the replacement of the aging C-130H aircraft.

The replacement of the five Hercules transport aircraft is the highest priority project within the Coalition Government’s Defence Capability Plan 2019.

Cabinet has decided to seek detailed costing information for a replacement aircraft, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules.

“The current Hercules have served us well since the 1960s, but they have reached the end of the road, and suitable and proven replacement aircraft will need to be sourced,” says Ron Mark. ”The current fleet is increasing in cost to maintain, and is taking longer to put through maintenance.”

“After considering the range of military air transport aircraft carefully, the Super Hercules has been selected as it offers the necessary range and payload capability as well as fully meeting NZDF’s requirements,” says Ron Mark.

A price will be sought through the United States’ Foreign Military Sale process for the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

The C-130J is a proven aircraft, with more than 400 C-130Js having been delivered to over 21 nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.

“It is used by key defence partners and carries a greater payload faster and further than the current fleet, with no loss of ability to land where our current Hercules are deployed.

“Tactical air transport capability is one of the highest value assets available to New Zealand, offering huge utility to the community and nation, enabling movement of personnel and cargo around the country, the South Pacific, down to Antarctica and all around the globe.

“We need a proven performer, and this aircraft is tried and tested. We cannot take risks with what is one of our most critical military capabilities,” says Ron Mark.

No final contract decision has been made, on either platform numbers, detailed costs, or funding and Budget implications. A Project Implementation Business Case is scheduled to be progressed to Cabinet next year, where these matters will be considered. The Defence Capability Plan 2019 noted that the estimated cost would be more than $1 billion.

(Beehive)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/

Citation :

New Zealand approves military vehicle projects

Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - Jane's Defence Industry

03 July 2019


New Zealand plans to procure the Polaris MRZR (the optionally manned version of which is pictured above) to fulfil a requirement for
high-mobility utility light vehicles. Source: Polaris Government and Defense


The New Zealand government has announced plans to procure high-mobility utility light vehicles and "protected vehicle mediums".

Defence Minister Ron Mark announced in late June that the cabinet had approved the acquisition of the utility light vehicles and to negotiate the purchase of up to 43 protected vehicle mediums. The two projects form an initial part of a wider Protected Mobility programme, which is worth up to NZD600 million (USD400 million).

Mark said that NZD18.6 million has been allocated to procure the utility light vehicles and to undertake trials and risk reduction work in support of other related procurements under the Protected Mobility programme.

Mark confirmed that for the utility light vehicle requirement the government is considering the acquisition of the MRZR produced by US company Polaris Government and Defense. The commercial "all-terrain" version of this vehicle is in "widespread use" across New Zealand, he said.

"The MRZR will replace current quad bikes and other small vehicles and provide improved mobility, safety, and versatility to our rapidly deployable mobile forces," said Mark.

Mark also indicated that the Bushmaster 4×4 protected mobility platform, produced by Thales Australia, is likely to fulfil the requirement for protected vehicle mediums.

"For this project [the New Zealand Ministry of Defence] is working with the Australian Defence Force and related suppliers to examine whether further co-operation on this class of vehicle is the best way forward for New Zealand," said Mark. "I will bring a firm proposal to [the] cabinet next year."

He added that the protected vehicle mediums project is intended to provide the New Zealand Army with similar levels of capability and protection to the Bushmasters operated by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Special Forces, of which there are believed to be five. Vehicles procured through the project will undertake roles including troop transport, command and communications, and casualty evacuation, said Mark.
 

Citation :

22/11/2019

Des C-130J « Super Hercules » pour la Nouvelle-Zélande !



La Nouvelle-Zélande prévoit d’acquérir 5 avions de transport tactique Lockheed-Martin C-130J « Super Hercules ». La DSCA (Agence de coopération pour la sécurité dans le domaine de la défense) confirme la demande et indique que le contrat est estimé à 1,4 milliards de dollars US.

Wellington semble bien privilégier l’offre américaine en lieu et place des A400M et KC-390 en vue du remplacement des actuels C-130H « Hercules » âgés de 53 ans. En plus de l'avion, le package comprend une large gamme d'équipements et de services liés à l'acquisition. Cette vente proposée fournira la capacité de soutenir des opérations nationales, des Nations Unies et autres coalitions.

L’offre de Lockheed-Martin comprend également des capteurs et des améliorations de performances qui aideront la Nouvelle-Zélande dans le cadre d’une surveillance et d’une reconnaissance maritimes étendues, ainsi que l’amélioration de ses capacités de recherche et de sauvetage. De plus, la capacité de fret supplémentaire et les performances des avions augmenteront considérablement les capacités de la mission antarctique néo-zélandaise, tout en augmentant simultanément les marges de sécurité.

Le C-130J « Super Hercules » :

Le C-130J «Super Hercules» est la version la plus avancée du célèbre C-130 cargo, il incorpore une technologie de pointe pour réduire les besoins en personnel, de fonctionnement de soutien avec des coûts de cycle de vie plus actuel que pour les anciens C-130. Du point de vue de l’extérieur, le C-130J semble n’être qu’une version allongée du célèbre « Hercules », cependant, il est équipé d’un poste de pilotage informatisé permettant de réduire le nombre de pilotes à deux. Le modèle dispose également d'une maniabilité accrue et une manutention plus courtes. Il est doté de nouveaux moteurs Rolls-Royce Allison AE-2100D3, dotés d’hélices à six pales. L’avionique de dernière génération comprend notamment deux collimateurs tête haute (HUD) avec un poste de pilotage tout-écran. L’avion a une capacité de 26’000 kg de carburant et il est configuré pour recevoir des réservoirs additionnels de 11’000kg de carburant.

Photo : C-130J « Super Hercules » @ Lockheed-Martin

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/

Citation :

 10/12/2019 14:43 | BOQUET Justine

Des C-130J pour la Nouvelle Zélande

Le département d'Etat américain a donné son accord pour la vente de C-130J à la Nouvelle-Zélande.

La DSCA (agence américaine chargée de la coopération en matière de défense et de sécurité) a annoncé que la Nouvelle Zélande pourrait se voir doter de cinq avions de transport C-130J de Lockheed Martin. Le coût de cette FMS est de 1,4 Md$. Afin d'être effective, elle doit désormais être approuvée par le Congrès américain.

Le contrat inclut également la formation du personnel, les pièces de rechange ou encore le soutien technique et logistique nécessaire à l'accueil et à la mise en œuvre des appareils.

Avec ces C-130J, la Nouvelle-Zélande espère pouvoir remplacer sa flotte de C-130H. Le ministère de la défense néo-zélandais avait ainsi fait part de son intérêt pour l'appareil aux Etats-Unis en juin dernier. Reste à savoir si la proposition faite par la DSCA, pour un budget d'1,4 Md$, sera in fine approuvée par la Nouvelle-Zélande, qui avait prévu un budget d'1 Md$ pour le remplacement de sa flotte.

https://www.air-cosmos.com/article/des-c-130j-pour-la-nouvelle-zlande-22203

Citation :

New Zealand begins final upgrades on new hydrographic vessel

Ridzwan Rahmat, Singapore - Jane's Navy International

05 May 2020


HMNZS Manawanui, the RNZN’s new hydrographic survey and dive-support vessel that will soon be ready for operational taskings.
Source: Royal New Zealand Navy


The Royal New Zealand Navy's (RNZN's) new hydrographic survey and diving-support vessel, HMNZS Manawanui , has been placed in drydock at Devonport Naval Base to undergo final upgrades and maintenance activities.

The final upgrades include a fitting out of new communication and fire-fighting systems and upgraded rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) capabilities, said the RNZN via an official social media channel on 5 May. "Once Manawanui 's out of the dock she'll be ready for operational taskings," the service added.

Manawanui was commissioned in June 2019 at the same naval base where it is undergoing dry-docking. Before its service with New Zealand, the vessel was a commercial offshore support vessel known as Edda Fonn .

The ship was procured by the New Zealand government in August 2018 for NZD103 million (USD62 million) to undertake missions formerly fulfilled by the decommissioned hydrographic ship HMNZS Resolution , and its retired namesake dive tender, HMNZS Manawanui . These vessels were taken out of service in 2012 and 2018 respectively.

The new hydrographic has an overall beam of 18 m, a hull draught of 6.3 m, and is equipped with a 100-tonne salvage crane. It is powered by four diesel-electric engines driving two azimuth propulsion systems and can reach a top speed of 13 kt.
 

Citation :

New Zealand to Order Five C-130J Super Hercules for NZ$ 1.52 billion ($ 990.6 million)

06 Juni 2020


C-130J Super Hercules (photo : Lockheed Martin)

Five new Super Hercules to join Air Force fleet

The Coalition Government has confirmed five Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft will be purchased to replace the existing fleet, Defence Minister Ron Mark announced today.

“Last year, Cabinet selected these aircraft as the preferred option to replace the current Hercules fleet. Procurement of the Super Hercules has been my highest capability priority as Minister of Defence,” Ron Mark said.

“Along with the new fleet, the $1.521 billion project will deliver a full mission flight simulator and other supporting infrastructure.

“Generations of New Zealanders have grown up and grown old with the Hercules, and they know these aircraft are an essential first line of response. This decision ensures the Defence Force will have the capability it needs to meet expected future tasks.

“This fleet will ensure the Defence Force can continue to support New Zealand’s community resilience, our national security, our contribution to our Pacific neighbours and the wider global community.

“This decision ensures tactical airlift will remain available to undertake operations in New Zealand’s immediate region, as well as support our interests in Antarctica, often in support of other government agencies.

“The new aircraft will carry a greater payload, is faster and can travel further than the current Hercules aircraft.

“Each aircraft will also be fitted with additional specialist capabilities, including a wide bandwidth, high speed satellite communications system and an electro-optical/infra-red camera.

“This equipment will make our new Super Hercules among the most capable in the world. The satellite communications system will allow imagery, video and data to be streamed in real time, and the camera allows for aerial surveillance, including at the same time as the aircraft is undertaking transport tasks, particularly useful on humanitarian and disaster relief operations and search and rescue missions.”

The aircraft and simulator are being acquired through the United States’ Foreign Military Sales process as part of a package that includes aircrew and maintainer training.

“As with our decision to acquire the P-8A Poseidon fleet through the Foreign Military Sales process, this has reduced costs and allows collaboration with other nations on developments and system upgrades that will be necessary over the life of the aircraft,” Ron Mark said.

“The first of the new Hercules will be delivered in 2024, with the full fleet operating from 2025, allowing for a phased retirement of the current fleet.

“The flight simulator will help us to build and maintain crew skills, and allow more demanding training scenarios to be attempted without risk to personnel, and while preserving flight hours for operational tasks.”

In addition, the Coalition Government has also approved $21 million to upgrade systems in the Air Force NH90 helicopters to comply with regulatory and operational requirements.

“This investment, building on the first tranche announced last year, will ensure that the New Zealand Defence Force’s aircraft are fitted with updated communication, navigation, air traffic management and identification systems,” Ron Mark said.

“The upgrade of the NH90 will be undertaken in cooperation with a number of other nations who operate these helicopters including Australia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Italy, France, and Norway.

“This will provide us with an opportunity to share development costs amongst all participating nations, which means this approach is less expensive and risky than pursuing a bespoke solution.

“Without upgrading these systems the NZDF aircraft may be restricted in operations in both controlled civil and military airspace. Funding for this project will be provided for from NZDF baselines,” Ron Mark said.

Work is expected to be initiated in 2021 on the second phase of upgrading New Zealand’s air mobility capability, when options will be considered for replacing the two Boeing 757 aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

These are expected to reach their end of service life towards the end of this decade.

(NZ Govt)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2020/06/new-zealand-to-order-five-c-130j-super.html

Citation :

 HHI Delivers a Large Replenishment Tanker Ship to New Zealand's Navy

18 Juni 2020


HMNZS Aotearoa (photo : SeaQuest)

Hyundai Heavy Industries delivers a large military support ship to New Zealand's Navy

New Zealand's largest military support ship, which was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, departed to New Zealand on June 10, a company spokesman said on June 10.

Hyundai Heavy Industries held a ceremony at its headquarters in Ulsan on June 10 for the AOTEAROA, the latest 26,000-ton military support ship of the New Zealand Navy, to set sail for India.

The departure ceremony was attended by Nam Sang-hoon, vice president of Hyundai Heavy Industries, New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Philip Turner, and Sung Il, Director of International Cooperation at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, while the South Korean Navy deployed a military support ship called Daecheong to send back the AOTEAROA and pray for a safe voyage.


RNZN's newest and largest-ever ship Aotearoa will sail into Auckland on Friday 26 June (image : NZDF)

Hyundai Heavy Industries received the order for AOTEAROA from the New Zealand Navy in July 2016, the largest in the history of New Zealand Navy with the 173-meter in length and 24-meter in width. It will be used to distribute fuel, food, drinking water and ammunition to New Zealand naval vessels.

The departure is meaningful in that it successfully exported a military support vessel based on advanced technology to the country that sent warships to Korea during the Korean War.

In addition, Korea and New Zealand have been building trust relations, with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the New Zealand Ministry of National Defense signing a "military goods cooperation agreement" last year to expand cooperation in the defense sector between the two countries.

(KoreaITTimes)


http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2020/06/hhi-delivers-large-replenishment-tanker.html    

Citation :

Hawker Pacific Deliver the Final of Four Modified King Air 350 to RNZAF

19 Juni 2020


RNZAF King Air 350 aircraft (photo : Medium)

Australian industry supporting New Zealand Air Force

Sydney headquartered company Hawker Pacific has highlighted the export potential of Australia’s defence industry, with the delivery of the final of four modified King Air 350 aircraft to the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price said it was great to see another Australian company achieving export success.

“This is a significant defence export by a local company, demonstrating the capability of Australia’s defence industry as a global exporter,” Minister Price said.

“Supporting Australia’s defence industry remains a priority, particularly through the COVID-19 recovery phase, and there are many opportunities for Australian and New Zealand businesses to work together.

“New Zealand is one of Australia’s closest friends and defence partners. Trans-Tasman cooperation is strengthening our already strong bilateral relationship.

“Just recently, the Minister for Defence and I spoke with New Zealand Defence Minister the Hon Ron Mark about working together in the fight against COVID-19.”

Hawker Pacific secured the ten-year contract for both King Air 350 sensor and non-sensor aircraft, along with engineering and logistics support for the aircraft and associated ground training systems. The aircraft will be used by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) 42 Squadron, based at Ohakea, NZ.

Hawker Pacific’s Special Missions design team in Sydney were responsible for the project management and design engineering, while installation and testing was conducted by workers at their Bankstown facility.

(Aus DoD)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2020/06/hawker-pacific-deliver-final-of-four.html

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 08 July 2020

New Zealand Army receives first six Polaris MRZR vehicles

by Gabriel Dominguez


The New Zealand Army has received the first six MRZR D4 all-terrain vehicles ordered from US manufacturer Polaris Government and Defense under the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP).

The lightweight four-seat vehicles, which are powered by a turbo diesel engine, are meant to replace quad bikes and other small vehicles operated by the army, and to provide “improved mobility, safety, and versatility to rapidly deployable mobile forces”, according to the MoD.


The New Zealand Army has received the first six MRZR D4 all-terrain vehicles (similar to this one in US service) ordered
from US company Polaris Government and Defense. (US Marine Corps)

It the latest issue of its monthly Army News publication, the service said it had taken delivery of the compact 4×4 vehicles following extensive trials conducted over a two-year period, adding that the army has an option to acquire additional vehicles “in the near future”, including some units for its ‘Counter Explosives Hazard’ project.

The initial six vehicles, which are being issued to the High Readiness Company of the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1 RNZIR), will enter service “shortly”, according to the publication.

The PMCP is aimed at gradually replacing the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF’s) main operational land vehicle fleets, including armoured and non-armoured vehicles.

 https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/new-zealand-army-receives-first-six-polaris-mrzr-vehicles    

Citation :

Jul 9

New Zealand army to receive 43 Thales Bushmaster Protected Vehicles  


New Zealand’s Defence Minister Ron Mark announced on July 8 that the government has approved the NZD102.9 million (USD67.5 million)
procurement of 43 Thales Australia Bushmaster 4×4 Protected Mobility Vehicles to replace the armored Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicles.


Bushmaster Protected Vehicle (Picture source: Thales/New Zeland Army)


Posted 9 hours ago by Alain HENRY de FRAHAN

http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/#!/2020/07/new-zealand-army-to-receive-43-thales.html    

Citation :

CAE Hands Over CAE 700MR NH90 Simulator to Royal New Zealand Air Force

22 Oktober 2020



Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 aircrew are now training in a new CAE 700MR NH90 simulator located at RNZAF Base Ohakea (photo : CAE)

CAE announced that earlier this month it officially handed over a CAE 700MR Series NH90 flight training device to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

“This advanced NH90 simulator means Royal New Zealand NH90 aircrews can train safely and cost-effectively in New Zealand,” said Matthew Sibree, Managing Director, Asia/Pacific, CAE. “The realistic training capability provided by the NH90 simulator will enable the RNZAF to maximize the availability of the NH90 fleet for operational taskings while ensuring aircrew are prepared for the wide range of missions they are called on to perform.”

Due to COVID-19 over the past six months, the RNZAF and CAE had to adapt its traditional on-site installation, integration, and acceptance testing procedures.  A range of teams, including local staff from CAE New Zealand, performed the on-site installation at RNZAF Base Ohakea with remote virtual support from CAE staff in Montreal and Australia. The simulator is now ready for use in order to meet the RNZAF’s currency requirements for crews due to the current COVID-19 situation.  CAE New Zealand staff will continue to provide ongoing maintenance and support services on the NH90 simulator.

“We are honoured to be the training partner of choice for the Royal New Zealand Air Force and provide training systems and support services that contribute to the readiness of the New Zealand Defence Force,” said Daniel Gelston, Group President, Defence & Security, CAE.  

The CAE 700MR Series NH90 simulator delivers an immersive and realistic virtual training environment ideal for rehearsing challenging tasks such as ship deck and confined area landings.  The RNZAF NH90 simulator features an extreme field-of-view visual display system (240 degrees horizontal by 88 degrees vertical) with imagery generated by the CAE Medallion-6000MR image generator.  In addition, the CAE 700MR Series includes a revolutionary dynamic seat for vibration and motion cueing, thus maximizing the realism of the training experience on a fixed-based simulator.

(CAE)

 http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2020/10/cae-hands-over-cae-700mr-nh90-simulator.html    

Citation :

17.02.2021

Les six derniers Kiwis rentrent, mettant fin à deux décennies de présence militaire en Afghanistan




La Nouvelle-Zélande a annoncé ce mercredi le retrait de ses derniers militaires d’Afghanistan en mai prochain, mettant un terme à deux décennies de présence militaire.

"Après 20 ans de présence des Forces de défense néo-zélandaises (NZDF) en Afghanistan, il est maintenant temps de mettre fin à notre déploiement", a annoncé la Première ministre Jacinda Ardern dans un communiqué. Elle a estimé que le processus de paix, en cours à Doha, représentait la meilleure perspective de solution politique durable au conflit afghan, et que la présence des forces néo-zélandaises n’y était plus nécessaire.

Quelque 3 500 Néo-Zélandais ont servi en Afghanistan depuis 2001, dont des forces spéciales, des équipes de reconstruction et des formateurs. Mais cette présence militaire a été progressivement réduite ces dernières années et ne comptait depuis juin 2019 que six personnes – trois à l’académie afghane de formation des officiers et trois au quartier général de l’Otan.

Dix soldats néo-zélandais sont morts en Afghanistan

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2021/02/17/les-kiwis-mettent-fin-a-deux-decennies-de-presence-militaire-21898.html

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/new-zealands-defence-budget-returns-to-growth_17844 a écrit:

Le budget de la défense néo-zélandais continue de grimper..

Citation :

New Bushmaster Armoured Vehicles Hit the Production Line

29 September 2021


Assembling of Bushmaster armoured vehicles (photo : BendigoAdvertiser)

Production is underway for the first of New Zealand’s Bushmaster NZ5.5 vehicles by Thales Australia in Bendigo, Victoria.

The Bushmaster vehicles will provide New Zealand Army personnel with high levels of blast and ballistic protection. They are designed with a V hull, which redirects blasts out from under the vehicle, saving lives.

The Ministry is responsible for advising the government on defence policy and the acquisition of major defence equipment, such as the Bushmaster vehicle fleet.

Project teams are made up of experts of both Ministry of Defence staff and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, but the Ministry has particular responsibility for the selection of suppliers, contract negotiations and project management. NZDF personnel are responsible for the introduction into service, in-service and disposal phases, which for some capability is up to 30 years.

Ministry of Defence project team leader Gillian Rodger says a close working relationship, from the start of the process, has proven vital to the success of the project.

“The Bushmasters are scheduled for delivery in late 2022 and will replace New Zealand’s current New Zealand Army Pinzgauer fleet. They are not a combat vehicle but will provide our personnel with greater protection while deployed on operations, and they’re used by many of our partners overseas.”




Lieutenant Colonel Sara Harrison is the project team’s Capability Integration Lead. She says the 11 tonne vehicles will have an operational life of 30 years and come in five different variants.

“They’ve been designed to provide high-level protection for our people against a range of threats found in the contemporary environment, including peace and security operations and humanitarian and disaster responses. This will in turn enable our people to better protect others,” said Lieutenant Colonel Sara Harrison.

Due to the project’s scale, cost, risk, and complexity, the project is being run by the Protected Mobility Capability Project team, which is made up of both Ministry of Defence staff and NZDF personnel.

“The team has worked with Thales Australia to adapt previous Bushmaster vehicle designs, so the Bushmaster NZ5.5 will be unique to New Zealand and best suit our needs. They’ll be able to undertake a range of tasks, from transporting troops, through to acting as mobile communications and command hubs,” said Gillian Rodger.

The Bushmasters are able to function as protected ambulances, when needed. They also introduce improved networking and communications technologies between the vehicles themselves, and other assets deployed in the field, allowing for more efficient communication over greater distances. The new communications capability has been developed in partnership with the Network Enabled Army project team.

COVID-19 restrictions on travel have presented some challenges to the project team, but the fleet’s delivery remains on track. Gillian Rodger says she’s really proud of this, and the team’s ability to adapt.

The Bushmaster vehicles project follows the team’s success introducing the Polaris MRZR-D vehicles into service earlier this year.

(NZDF)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2021/09/new-bushmaster-armoured-vehicles-hit.html

Citation :

PUBLISHED: 11 NOVEMBER 2021 LAST UPDATED: 11 NOVEMBER 2021



Milestone RNZAF NH90

On 11 November 2021, the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) reported that NH90-TTH with serial NZ3302 (construction number 1206) reach 2,000 flying hours. With this milestone, the RNZAF NH90 is the first in the world of this type to reach this number of flying hours.

The RNZAF operates nine NH90-TTHs with 3 Squadron Kimihia Ka Patu ('Seek and Destroy') at RNZAF Base Ohakea, located 140 km north of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand.

In 2007, New Zealand ordered the NH90-TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) as a replacement of the Bell UH-1H Iroquois. Deliveries started in 2012 with the two helicopters arriving at Ohakea and on 1 July 2015 all official duties from the UH-1H were taken over. The NH90s are used for various helicopter operations such as disaster relief, counter-terrorism, battlefield support and search and rescue.

Photo by RNZAF

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/milestone-rnzaf-nh90

Citation :

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Completes Handover of HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles to NZDF

11 Desember 2021



Handover of three Rheinmetall HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles to NZDF (photos : Rheinmetall)

Rheinmetall is pleased to announce the official handover of three HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) at an official ceremony on November 25th 2021 at the Trentham Military Camp in Wellington, New Zealand.

Colonel Ben Bagley, Director of Land Domain for NZDF attended the ceremony to accept handover of the vehicles from Marty Roelofs, New Zealand Manager at Rheinmetall.

Mr Gary Stewart, Managing Director Rheinmetall Defence Australia, had planned to personally attend this ceremony to mark its importance however was hampered by COVID travel restrictions.

“Although it is very disappointing not to be back in New Zealand for this important event marking the joint achievement of the handover of the HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles, we are still very proud of this milestone,” Mr. Stewart said.

“The HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicle is another example of our commitment to providing sustainable design, development and manufacturing that delivers world leading products and services to the NZDF.”

“Delivery of this enhanced recovery capability, complementing the already delivered Medium-heavy Operational Vehicles fleet, in the midst of global COVID challenges is a testament to the relationship between Rheinmetall and the NZDF.”




The successful delivery of the vehicles to the NZDF provides the New Zealand Army with important new capabilities, with the HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles having enhanced recovery and mobility capabilities specifically developed to meet the current and future operational needs of the NZDF.

The purchase of the HX 8x8 adds to the in-service medium and heavy operational vehicle fleet with NZDF. The Medium-heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) fleet which was supplied by Rheinmetall has had significant use already with NZDF, in training, operations and disaster relief both in New Zealand and offshore.

The HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicles delivered to the NZDF are the first in the world to use the Integrated Armoured Swap Cabin which allows easy configuration of the vehicles to suit the operational need. Rheinmetall will also provide a dedicated training team to conduct initial training on the vehicle with the NZDF.

At just 2.55 metres wide, the HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicle allows greater accessibility and operates exceptionally in difficult terrain with an ability to cross ditches of 1.4 metres wide and cross flooded areas of 1.5 metres in depth, as well as scale gradients of up to 60 per cent and side slopes of 30 per cent.

The HX 8x8 Heavy Recovery Vehicle is also able to operate in a range of radically different environments, operating in cold conditions as low as -32°C and in hot conditions all the way up to 49°C.

(Rheinmetall)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2021/12/rheinmetall-man-military-vehicles.html