Tobbes,
The actual a/c flown are not the issue here. What the NZ Govt has done is to make a decision that the nation does not need the capability at all, in any shape or form.
With no A-4 force there will be no need for the MB339 fleet, you can guarantee that they will be next to go. With the P-3 fleet losing it's ASW role and fit, and consideration being given to having a contractor take over and operate the fleet in an environmental partol capacity, where does this leave the RNZAF?
Even the Seasprite fleet is at risk as the RNZN faces losing it's frigate force.
Even at it's most extreme periods in power in the 70's the loony-left element in the Labour party here never proposed such drastic reductions in a nations defence capability.
Sad to see, it flies in the face of what every other nation on the pacific rim is doing and is comfirmation that the labour party in NZ is about as in touch with the real world as the Conservative party is here in the UK!
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If the suit fits.........