Combat capability RNZAF to be "scrapped"

It’s finally been confirmed (somewhat):

“NEW Zealand’s airforce will cease to exist as a combat force with all of its fighter jets being scrapped under radical government defence plans, a newspaper reported today.

The Dominion gave no sources for its report that the axing of the fleet of 17 Skyhawk jets will be announced by Prime Minister Helen Clark next week, when the government releases reviews of the country’s military capabilities.

The government has refused to comment on the report.

Ms Clark has already said the airforce would not get upgraded fighter airplanes, with the government last year cancelling a contract to lease 28 F16 fighters from the United States.

It is now expected the 60-year-old air combat wing will be scrapped as part of the government’s realignment of its priorities toward a stronger army and peacekeeping role.

Extensive work would be needed to extend the planes’ working life beyond 2007. Decommissioning them early would save $NZ200 million ($163.5 million) a year.”

Reported in http://www.news.com.au (Fairfax)

Additionally, SBS World News reports that NZ PM Helen Clark has declared that New Zealand is no longer a member of the ANZUS treaty, as she wished Australia and the USA well for celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the alliance (hmm…change of name to AUS required?). However, NZ has yet to officially notify Australia of its withdrawal from the treaty, so technically, it is still a member of the treaty.

The announcement comes after confirmation (a couple of years ago) that NZ will not purchase a 3rd ANZAC class frigate, leaving it with a 2 frigate navy (HMNZS Te Kaha and Te Mana) when the Leander class frigate is retired (or has it already been decommisioned?).

MinMiester