New Zealand announced on Sunday a US$1.2 billion plan to replace its ageing navy helicopters, part of a major defence overhaul in response to rising “global tensions”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defence Minister Judith Collins said the funding was the first tranche of the government’s renewed commitment to ramp up defence spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A US$5 billion plan for new spending over 10 years unveiled last month also includes investment into missiles, cyber security and drones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It will lift New Zealand’s defence spending from one percent of GDP to more than two percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Collins said the new helicopters would boast improved defensive and offensive capability, along with a greater survey range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She also announced US$570 million over four years towards defence force deployments, training and infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Global tensions are increasing rapidly, and defence personnel need the right equipment and conditions to do their jobs,” Collins said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“As a maritime nation we are prioritising naval capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The new helicopters will be able to go further and carry larger loads, including weapons, personnel and equipment — all of which is critical for defence to protect New Zealand and New Zealanders.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A spokesperson for Collins said a decision about what type of aircraft will replace the existing Seasprite helicopters will be made after spending is approved by the cabinet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New Zealand is a member of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance alongside the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But it has been criticised over the years for taking a softer line on China — putting its trading relationship ahead of its allies’ security concerns.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
New Zealand announced on Sunday a US$1.2 billion plan to replace its ageing navy helicopters, part of a major defence overhaul in response to rising “global tensions”. Defence Minister Judith Collins said the funding was the first tranche of the government’s renewed commitment to ramp up defence spending. A US$5 billion plan for new spending […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":255,"featured_media":82058,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13068,116,12054,114],"tags":[13437,13734,11756,13573,13731,13733,13732,12953,13735,12954],"class_list":["post-82060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand","category-pacific","category-politics","category-world","tag-army-2","tag-collins-2","tag-defence-2","tag-global","tag-helicopters","tag-judith-2","tag-navy-2","tag-new-2","tag-tensions-2","tag-zealand"],"yoast_head":"\n