Future of RNZAF transport and maritime patrol capability

Come the 2020s and the New Zealand Defence Force is going to have to make some hard decisions with a number of key assets needing replacement:

1. Replacement of 2 ANZAC class frigates
2.Replacement of 2 B757 jet transports
3. Replacement of 5 C-130H transports
4. Replacement of 6 P-3K MPAs.

NZ Defence operates on a very tight budget so having to replace so many expensive items could lead to certain capabilities being cut or reduced – indeed this happened when the A-4/MB-339C fleet was cut quite a few years ago.

I think possibly the best option for NZ would be a purchase of C-130J transports and SC-130J MPA – this would increase commonality and reduce operating costs whilst maintaining both an airlift and MPA capability.

The frigates are somewhat superfluous and probably should be let go if financial constraints don’t allow for replacement of all current assets.