Defence targeted in $3 billion spend up

The Government yesterday announced a long-term development plan for defence, saying spending would likely exceed $3 billion over the next 10 years.

Defence Minister Mark Burton said the Government was committed to building a modern, focused, professional defence force with the necessary military capabilities and trained personnel across all three services.

"The Government has committed to capital injections of up to $1 billion over the next 10 years with most of that likely to be needed in the next five years," he said.

"The balance of funding for acquisitions will come from depreciation.

"Including the defence projects already approved - new light armoured vehicles and communications equipment - total spending on defence capital projects is likely to exceed $3 billion over the next decade."

He said some projects were well advanced and the broad functional requirements for the new naval vessels was nearing completion.

A study to determine the extent of work needed to upgrade the Hercules C-130 squadron was also well advanced, as was a study into runway work at Ohakea Airbase.

Mr Burton also announced that the eligibility for war pensions would be widened and would include personnel who witnessed French nuclear tests at Mururoa.

The Acting Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Peter McHaffie, said the development plan would boost confidence and morale within the ranks.

- NZPA