Editorial: Defence shoppers stick to boutiques

Taking the minimum option is hardly a satisfactory notion when the defence of New Zealand is at stake. Thus, the Government cannot expect concerted applause for the way it will spend $500 million re-equipping the Navy. Indeed, a maritime forces review characterised the purchase of a multi-role vessel, two offshore patrol boats and upgraded inshore patrol boats as the minimum acceptable means of providing sealane surveillance and security. Even then, it concluded, there would be gaps in the Navy's thin blue line.

Clearly, these gaps would most effectively be filled by a third Anzac frigate and the Project Sirius upgrade of the Air Force's anti-submarine Orions. Financial constraints and the Government's aberrant defence thinking have put paid to that. But at least the Government has recognised that when the Canterbury is pensioned off, two Anzac frigates will not be sufficient for maritime surveillance. Thus the opting for new offshore patrol boats and a multi-role vessel.

The decision even bears some logic and practicality if placed alongside the Government's emphasis on a boutique Army that will be heavily involved in peacekeeping.

The multi-role vessel will play a key part in supporting military operations, with its ability to transport the Army's light armoured vehicles and transfer heavy equipment and troops onto shore without needing a port.

The vessel's planned uses do not end there, however. Reinforced against ice, it will also do fisheries and customs work. The diversity of roles will present exacting design demands.

The Government wants "creative and innovative solutions", possibly from local shipyards. Foremost, the successful tenderer must be able to guarantee that this ship will not be a Jack Tar of all trades and master of none. At a cost of $250 million, there should at least be no repeat of the sad cost-cutting saga of its sealifting predecessor, the Charles Upham. The vessel must also boast a strong combat capacity. The Government suggests it will have 40mm to 76mm guns. That is inadequate. The vessel must at least have the capability to mount anti-ship missiles and close air defence if it is to enter any combat zone.

The Government must also ensure that the new offshore patrol boats, of which at least two will be bought, carry a clout. Further, the boats must be sufficiently robust and speedy to tackle customs work and fisheries protection in the Tasman Sea. The boats will need to be as big as a corvette or a high-endurance cutter. Anything less and the Navy will, with good reason, be viewed as little more than a glorified coastguard.

The Government must also resist the temptation to merely upgrade the Navy's Moa-class inshore patrol boats. The first of these Whangarei-built vessels was commissioned almost 20 years ago. With a maximum speed of 12 knots, they are no longer a viable option for inshore patrol tasks. The Government has yet to decide whether it will upgrade or buy new boats. The first option would be no more than a cruel joke.

At the very least, the re-equipping of the Navy will release the two Anzac frigates for military duties. They were never intended for fisheries patrols or humanitarian relief work. The frigates will be able, therefore, to take a greater part in exercises with other navies. Thus will New Zealand's regional security profile receive a boost.

That will do only so much to repair the damage caused by the axing of the Skyhawks and the failure to upgrade the Orions. Yet to some extent the Government seems to have appreciated the requirements of a maritime trading nation.

And as the Air Force will attest, the Navy's lot could have been much worse.

nzherald.co.nz/defence