In 1982 IML Group, a New Zealand company put in a bid to replace the RAAF Mirage, RNZAF Skyhawks and as a possible RAN fighter bomber aircraft as the Australian Government was at the time considering a new aircraft carrier. The Addax was designed using composite materials. A subsonic aircraft with VTOL capabilities.

The Addax-S designed by IML Group New Zealand also designed a composite high altitude, super sonic, STOL fighter bomber. Both Addax variants received a great deal of interest, but lacked funding. The Addax never left the drawing boards

“Garry B” wrote…So the extra money they are spending on the Army has made no real improvements? They are introducing new 6 wheel vehicles, plus I hear they are replacing their trucks as well. New Comms equipment as well as new body armour, not to mention the improvement of going from M113s and Scorpions to LAVIIIs. Yeah, no change there then…

True, but the money spend so far has not really improved the capabilities by a great deal. However, lets not look at the military side. You all seem to be forgetting the skills side. Yeah sure, New Zealand may never ever need to use the air force in anger, and lets hope they never do, but what about the pilot, FAC and recon skills, engineering and maintanence skills, contractors, sub contractors, navigation, technological advancments, computer technology advancment, employment both with the military and civilians.
What about fitters, mechanics, electricians, apprentices and not to mention other suppliers. What about the families who have lost their income and their moral. Yeah, it’s great to see new 6 wheel vehicles, trucks, communications, armour and LA VIII’s. It’s just a shame that there is no air defence to protect it!

The New Zealand decision to no longer operate a fighting Air Force was based on economic reality. They could not justify spending 100’s of millions on a force that was just not required. Sad, yes, but true. This decision has probably effected the RAAF/RAN more, due to the fact that RNZAF Sky Hawks were based at Nowra.