October 26th, 2007  
MontyB
Tribunus Laticlavius
 
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Infern0
the combat air wing is problematic, really i think taht there are more pressing items to buy....they navy was overdue a major spend by about 20 year i reckon.


and though i think it would've been perfect if we were able to secure that squadron of f-16's that were on offer.....what options do we have now?

realistically...the air force needs a c-130 upgrade/replacement
In a lot of cases I agree with you however I think peoples position on this argument depends on your definition of the role of the NZDF.

A lot of people see its role as helping out throughout the world with things like disaster relief etc. to me this little more than a civil defence role I personally think their role to be primarily the defence of New Zealand and as such believe that the only way we can do that is with a strong capable air force.

As I said earlier I think its great they are spending money on the military god know the army desperately needs some upgrading but I believe we have as you say more pressing needs in terms of defence.

As far as what options we have left, it appears we have none as National have now reversed their policy of returning a fighter group.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4178929a11.html

Short of leasing bases to other nations (Singapore has been mentioned) I don't see combat aircraft operating out of New Zealand anytime soon.
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We are more often treacherous through weakness than through calculation. ~Francois De La Rochefoucauld

Last edited by MontyB; October 26th, 2007 at 06:27.
 
 
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