Government to consider purchase of 11 Super Seasprites
On May 14, the Minister of Defence announced that the NZ Defence Force, through the Ministry of Defence, is investigating purchase of eleven Super Seasprite SH-2G(A) naval combat helicopters to replace the existing fleet of five machines. The Asia Pacific Defence Reporter has published an informative article on the proposed purchase. You can read the article here.
The Super Seasprites being considered for purchase were modified for the Royal Australian Navy in the 2000s with upgraded avionics and tactical electronics. The airframes were originally manufactured in the 1960s and 1980s, but have been fully refurbished with a new upper fuselage section and are in as-new condition with a 10,000 hour service life. The aircraft were not accepted for service by the RAN, primarily because of issues related to the avionics. These issues have since been corrected by the manufacturer.
Before a final recommendation is made to the Government on whether to proceed with the purchase the Ministry of Defence and NZ Defence Force are undertaking a programme of testing using its own personnel, and independent evaluators. Should the Ministry of Defence complete the purchase process, the SH-2G(A) aircraft will provide a significantly improved capability to that of the existing aircraft, and are likely to remain in service beyond the 2020s. The government will make the final decision to approve any purchase.
May 2012 - Postcard from Dili, Timor-Leste
Eight years after he completed his first tour of duty in Timor-Leste, Navy Commander Andrew Nuttall returned to the young Southeast Asian nation in January 2012 to assume command of the New Zealand military contingent there. In his postcard, he describes the Timorese people as friendly and welcoming and strongly determined to see a bright future for their country.
Click here to read the postcard.
March 2012 - Attack on bridge climax of TE KAHA’s work-up
The frigate TE KAHA’s important Direct Readiness Evaluation (DRE) began with a stirring haka to challenge the 35-strong Marine Operational Evaluation Team (MOET) as they came aboard from replenishment tanker ENDEAVOUR at 0730 on 22 March 2012, and climaxed with a direct missile hit on TE KAHA’s bridge at dawn the following day, requiring “surviving” crew to rig improvised control gear to keep the frigate in the battle with the hostile forces of Avalon.
Click here to read the full story.
To view a photo-library of the Navy 70th, click here.
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