Air Force
The Air Force is organised and trained in the classical airpower roles of combat, maritime, and transport. The combat role embraces close air support, interdiction, counter air, and anti-shipping operations. New Zealand’s front-line combat aircraft, the Skyhawk, operates in all these roles. Orions are employed in the maritime role for anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance.
Air transport tasks include long and short range transport, and rotary wing operations. These operations are performed by Hercules, Andover, and Iroquois.
The R.N.Z.A.F. has a command structure and operationally-ready Regular units' (squadrons) which can operate independently or alongside allied units. It has the capacity to respond quickly to low-key contingencies in New Zealand’s area of strategic interest.
Through training programmes in New Zealand, and close liaison with allies in role doctrine, techniques, and procedures, the R.N.Z.A.F. maintains a high level of professional expertise. It also performs a significant peacetime role in support of the Army and Navy. Government agencies, and the civilian community. One of its principal responsibilities is surveillance, throughout the New Zealand — South Pacific maritime region, and the patrolling of the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone. Several of the aircraft currently used by the Air Force will be upgraded to extend their life into the 1990 s and beyond. Major upgrading of surveillance systems in Orions is expected to be completed by 1984. Studies are being made into improving the navigational attack weapons delivery systems in Skyhawks. The outer wings of the Hercules aircraft will be replaced in the United States next year, at a total cost of SSM.
The Air Force is looking at aircraft to supplement the transport role of the Hercules. (It is believed an aircraft such as a secondhand Air New Zealand Boeing 737 is being considered.)
Negotiations are under way for the purchase of three twin-engined Cessna 421 aircraft to replace the light transport role of the outdated Devon.
Air Force
Press, 9 July 1980, Page 21
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