Budget 2006: Defence force get $73m to meet objectives

Today's Budget included $72.8m additional Defence Force funding for the coming financial year so it could meet its objectives.

Those objectives were outlined in the 10-year $4.6 billion Defence Sustainability Initiative.

Defence Minister Phil Goff said the new money would help Defence to rebuild a modern, professional and well-equipped force.

"It will allow us to increase personnel numbers by up to 15 per cent, bringing new equipment into service, re-building infrastructure, and increasing reserve stocks," he said.

The Budget also allocated $305 million to capital projects this financial year including provision for a part payment on replacement helicopters and to fit out Defence Headquarters.

The capital allocation also funded pre-approved projects such as the upgrade of the C-130 Hercules and P3 Orion fleets, the construction of seven new vessels for the Navy under Project Protector and for specialist equipment for the Army.

- NZPA