New Zealand is moving forward with investigating proposals to host Singaporean fighter jets at its airbases, with a contingent of jets to deploy to RNZAF Ohakea for a month-long trial.
As the UK Defence Journal first reported back in March the Singaporean Air Force has earmarked RNZAF Ohakea on New Zealand’s North Island as a possible host airbase for F-15 training units. With airspace at a premium in Singapore, they unable to conduct the full scope of training required at home and have therefore moved to base fighters overseas where there is better access to open airspace. Such arrangements already exist with Australia, France and the United States.
In a press release issued today (2nd August) the New Zealand Defence Minister Mark Mitchell announced that six F-16D+ fighter jets, 110 personnel and associated equipment will be deployed to Ohakea from the 30th August to 25th September to conduct flying training exercises hosted by the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Exercises will take place across New Zealand including both day and night flying at both high and low altitudes. New Zealand’s air weapons ranges will also be utilised during the training missions.
Announcing the decision Mr Mitchell highlighted the strength of Singapore’s defence relations with New Zealand and confirmed that both “have an active agreement to explore opportunities for further military co-operation and training”.
Addressing concerns in the in the local community about the impact of the potential permanent basing arrangement the Minister emphasised that “both countries are carrying out a range of studies to enable everyone to make an informed decision on a possible proposal […] This exercise […] will provide valuable data for the process and how basing F15s at Ohakea might work for our Air Force.” He also emphasised that a “productive partnership” would be formed with local government to ensure local communities are represented throughout the process.
It is not expected that any announcement on permanent basing will be made for some time. Potentially impacting decisions will be the New Zealand General Election on the 23rd September as Bill English’s National Government seeks a fourth term in office.
In all Honesty, with the opening of the Pocket Fighter Market, I think New Zealand should seriously consider getting the M-346 FA, Advanced Hawk 200 or the F/A-50 Golden Eagle. It would give them something to give them for basic Air defense.
It’s much cheaper to live under the defence umbrella of others.
That comes at a serious high cost for them, when NZ has to pay Australia for Air defense. Which is why with the rise of Pocket fighters like the M-346 FA, Advanced Hawk 200 or the F/A-50, T/A-50 and T-50 Golden Eagle. New Zealand should be looking into getting a LIFT that can provide them some type of basic Air defense until help arrives from Australia. they don’t need it to deploy overseas but they can use it to help protect their Air space at a fraction of the cost of operating an Australian F/A-18.
@ joe.
Not exactly!/? Mutual Defense for Mutual Needs!/? BOTH HG Metal Manufacturing Limited and NatSteel Holdings Pte Ltd. of Singapore, Produce Steel using “Ironsand” (Fe3O4). And New Zealand Mines It. Singapore is Just Protecting its Interests and New Zealand is Reaping the Rewards by having an Air Defense System in place, aka “Mutual Cooperation”…
There is no need for that capability in NZ; power projection from the sea should be and is their priority.
One autocratic regime giving air defence to a democracy.