Frigates deal seen as not in N.Z.’s interests

Press, 1 December 1988, Page 7

Frigates deal seen as not in N.Z.’s interests

By

DAVE WILSON

A Canterbury member of the 1986 Defence Committee of Inquiry believes the Anzac frigates deal is not in New Zealand’s best short or long-term interests.

Dr Kevin Clements said the Government was acting with unnecessary haste on the Anzac ships issue, without investigating more appropriate and cheaper alternatives. The merits of large American and Norwegian coastguard-type cutters had been overlooked, yet these ships were significantly cheaper than the proposed frigates, had a better cruising range, and could possibly be built in New Zealand, creating more jobs than under the Anzac programme. Dr Clements, who lectures in sociology at the University of Canterbury, said his personal view was that frigates were not the only type of vessel capable of maintaining New Zealand’s obligations to regional security. “New Zealand’s defence and security obligations to Australia and the South Pacific can be served bet-

ter by not proceeding with the Anzac frigates, but by making an independent decision in favour of other, more economic and flexible vessels for New Zealand’s own specific needs.” The 1986 Defence Committee of Inquiry and the 1987 Defence White Paper urged an enhancement of the defence relationship with Australia. Dr Clements said he supported the relationship, but was totally opposed to the Anzac ship project. “I am not an isolationist. I understand the Navy arguments for the frigate purchases and am aware of the strong Australian pressure on New Zealand to purchase the ships in order to enhance Tasman links. “While a negative decision on the frigates will generate some short-term frostiness between Can-

berra and Wellington, the defence relationship with Australia will survive whether the frigates are purchased or not. “Because of a common geo-political environment, New Zealand and Australia are natural and inevitable allies.” New Zealand’s defence objectives within the area of strategic concern could all be met without proceeding with the frigate proposal. “Frigates are not the only ships capable of patrolling the maritime environment, maintaining a presence for extended periods, detecting and monitoring airborne, surface and sub-surface activities, while providing self-defence against attack. “The large American Hamilton class coastguard cutter, considered by the Navy in the 1960 s and 19705, would be an attrac-

tive alternative to an expensive short-range frigate. “These cutters displace 3050 tonnes and have a range of 22,500 kilometres, which is more than twice the range of the proposed Australianbuilt frigates. “What might be even better are the Norwegian Nordkapp-class cutters, which displace 3240 tonnes and have a length of 105 metres. “These are armed with 57mm guns, carry a Lynx anti-submarine helicopter and are equipped with a comprehensive range of surveillance equipment. “It is also possible that these ships could be built in New Zealand under licence and thereby create more jobs than under the Anzac frigate project.” Dr Clements said that, historically, New Zealand had not done well out of

cheap ship deals with close allies. “The Leander-class frigates, which were purchased because of nostalgic attachment to Britain, had a range and endurance suited to the Mediterranean rather than the Pacific. “They were unable to perform tasks set for them by the Government on a stand-alone basis. This is a good argument for New Zealand to determine its own naval maritime needs independently and then ensure interoperability with Australia rather than piggybacking on the Australian project, which will proceed without New Zealand anyway.” Dr Clements said he believed the Government should suspend design and tender decisions on the Anzac project until all other options had been investigated and debated.