Royal New Zealand Navy
Say what you like (and no doubt you will) but down here we've got a pretty pragmatic view about defence. Rather than run around banging a gong about how we used to rule the seas, we know we've got 5 million population and a limited defence budget. Primary requirements to provide some fishery protection and a lot of disaster relief and support to the local region. No need to try and show off to prove things. We're very good at actually doing what we do. How are your new carriers doing by the way? 
Who said Oz was my real home?
I'm just resident here - banking their dosh and holding one of their passports, alongside the kiwi one.
Asturias56 read the book - saw the film - now read the science.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/exp...or-nuclear-war
It wouldn't be a Shute scenario - but also wouldn't be pretty by any means...
I'm just resident here - banking their dosh and holding one of their passports, alongside the kiwi one.
Asturias56 read the book - saw the film - now read the science.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/exp...or-nuclear-war
It wouldn't be a Shute scenario - but also wouldn't be pretty by any means...
"Without a fighter capability or now a navy apparently, their anthem seems more a prayer of request."
They're thousands of miles from anyone other than Australia. Perhaps they figure they don't really need a fighter capability?
They're thousands of miles from anyone other than Australia. Perhaps they figure they don't really need a fighter capability?
Not always very popular in Australia tho'
True and that goes all the way back to WW1 when two votes to introduce conscription were voted down. It doesn't mean Australia just says we are too far to worry about anyone invading us so lets not have an effective defense force. NZ should start to understand that defense capability can take longer to establish than the geo-political situation will give you time to do so.
Back in 1937 a Mr John Curtin, Federal Leader of the Australian Labor Party, said:
”..Australia cannot depend on the so-called Australian Navy..”
The full article offers a the background to that comment…. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/148319333
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Thread Starter
Rather than run around banging a gong about how we used to rule the seas, we know we've got 5 million population and a limited defence budget. Primary requirements to provide some fishery protection……
Not doing so well with even such a narrow task list….
Jack
People's attitude toward the armed forces as a career down here, has had a huge effect on recruitment. I have been asked many times "Why are you in the Air Force, couldn't you get a proper job?" There are still folks who want to join but it's not widely viewed as a mainstream choice. Other than some impressive advertising campaigns, I'm not sure there's much more to be done that will improve recruitment. Shame really as the Navy has some quite decent kit these days.
The social welfare budget is approx 28 Billion whereas the defence one is about 5 billion...very little emphasis on defence down here. I left a while ago but really enjoyed my time with them, pity about the salary!
Britain is a martial culture.
The military traditionally occupies an esteemed place in British society and social hierarchy.
Slightly culturally different in the US and Australia - but there's still social respect for a military career.
In NZ - not so... we are self deprecating about our size and distance and many kiwis are similarly scornful of the armed forces - wondering why we even need them.
Personally I was deeply saddened to see the axing of the A4s - but it hastened the public perception of an air force that could not kill (not accurate).
Great to see the first P-8 arrive - and I've often wondered if one day some sort of unmanned long-range strike capability will re-emerge that may be suitable for NZs needs - and it's budgets...
The military traditionally occupies an esteemed place in British society and social hierarchy.
Slightly culturally different in the US and Australia - but there's still social respect for a military career.
In NZ - not so... we are self deprecating about our size and distance and many kiwis are similarly scornful of the armed forces - wondering why we even need them.
Personally I was deeply saddened to see the axing of the A4s - but it hastened the public perception of an air force that could not kill (not accurate).
Great to see the first P-8 arrive - and I've often wondered if one day some sort of unmanned long-range strike capability will re-emerge that may be suitable for NZs needs - and it's budgets...
Do the NZ P-8's have weapons? All the PR I've seen refers to various fisheries patrol, SAR and disaster relief roles but no mention of ASW.
Of course they can, they have 5 hardpoints in the internal bomb bay and 6 wing hardpoints. The orions they have and are retiring before the end of the year have MK46's torpedos, maveric's and harpoons for the P-3 so assume the a P-8 will be getting them
(edit apparently NZ uses penguins and not harpoons)
(edit apparently NZ uses penguins and not harpoons)
Last edited by rattman; 14th Dec 2022 at 22:33.