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Defense Minister Ron Mark announces the purchase of four Boeing P-8s to replace aging Orion aircraft.
The No. 5 New Zealand Air Force squadron will move from Whenuapai to Ohakea while the "aging" Orion aircraft will be phased out.
Defense Minister Ron Mark announced the decision at Monday's press conference.
It follows the announcement that the Cabinet approved the purchase of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from the United States.
The planes, which will replace the six outgoing P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, will cost NZ $ 2.34 billion.
READ MORE:
* Submarine hunters to replace aging Orions
* Defense Minister Ron Mark moves closer to replacing old military aircraft
* Completion of the Whenuapai subdivision
* The Minister of Defense on the NZDF Flying Line
The P-8s would give New Zealand increased reconnaissance capabilities, particularly with respect to the hunt for submarines
but an essential element for national security and global security efforts.
Whenuapai is the largest air force base in the country, employing more than 1,000 people, says the RNZAF website.
It houses Auckland HQ, No.6 Squadron (Seasprite), No.5 Squadron (Orion) and No.40 Squadron (Hercules and Boeing 757). ).
But its short track and the proximity of the houses means that the new Poseidon P-8 aircraft would have no room for armament.
RNZAF
The RNZAF Whenuapai base is losing its # 5 squadron at Ohakea. (file)
The Auckland housing crisis also affected the Whenuapai Foundation, with new housing developments encroaching on the base.
Orion aircraft could not be armed at Whenuapai – instead they were sent to Ohakea, north of Palmerston North. do it, which just adds weight to the argument.
Mark said that it was "logical" to move, and that it was a continuation of the planning done by the previous government.
About 50 percent of the total costs would be spent on infrastructure for the move.
Poseidon Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft (photo) will replace a P fleet Orion 3K planes
"The previous government had the intention to reduce the capacity to Ohakea anyway, seeking to close Whenuapai," said Mark.
This decision was staggered, in part because it was the electorate of the time, Prime Minister John Key, he said.
However, National Party defense spokesman Mark Mitchell said he was unaware of any plans to close the Whenuapai base or transfer it to Ohakea, at least not as a minister.
In 2002, the Labor government announced that they would move Whenuapai to Ohakea by five years ago. The National Party campaigned against this in 2008, Mitchell said.
Whenuapai will continue to be "rejuvenated" and continue to be part of the defense force in the future, he said.
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The new Chief of the Defense Force, Kevin Short, said it would take "decades" before Whenuapai became redundant
"Finally, given population growth and housing, we we will have to examine how it works.
The track can not be extended, he said.
Moving 5 Squadron to Ohakea would be a great initiative, but something "I absolutely believe it's the right decision".
They would need to build sheds, accommodation and a simulation house at the base of Ohakea, as well as strengthen the traffic lanes, Short said.
P-8 deliveries and operations will take place from 2023.
– Practical Information
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