The New Zealand government has outlined a 15-year modernisation plan through the release of its Defence White Paper on 8 June.
Originally due last year, the white paper replaces the previous one issued in 2010 but remains generic in terms of when and what equipment will be acquired.
Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee pledged ‘close to NZ$20 billion’ (US$14 billion) in capital expenditure over the 15-year period. This level of spending equates to just 1% of GDP.
Nevertheless, perhaps heralding increased priority, New Zealand’s defence budget announced last month will increase 2016/17 spending by 8.8% to NZ$3.7 billion.
‘The white paper
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The Pentagon’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year includes an impressive increase in the procurement of interceptors, with the number of the US Army’s PAC-3 MSE rounds expanding by 683%, the US Navy’s Standard Missile by 365% and the MDA’s SM-3 IIA by more than 1,000%.
Global Military Products was selected by the US Army to operate the Quad Cities Cartridge Case Facility and ramp up the production of various calibre shell cases.
Future operational superiority will be defined by the ability to connect systems, data and personnel into a wider network. For armed forces, this creates the need for a digital backbone that integrates and enhances sensors and effectors of all kinds.
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
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