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http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Govt-unveils-51b-defence-shopping-list/2006/06/20/1150701548781.html
Govt unveils $51b defence shopping list
Email Print Normal font Large font June 20, 2006 - 8:05PM
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AdvertisementDefence Minister Brendan Nelson launched the latest defence equipment shopping list, declaring its $51 billion of new equipment affordable and achievable.
Under the Defence Capability Plan (DCP) 2006-2016, Defence sets out what equipment it believes is needed to achieve national security objectives, what it will cost, and when it could be acquired - should the government approve.
The list includes a new anti-aircraft missile system, and upgrades to Anzac frigates, Hawk jet trainers and Hornet fighters.
Dr Nelson said additional budget funding enabled the DCP to address the rise in the price of military equipment and technology.
"This DCP is fundamentally affordable and achievable," he said.
"The proposals it contains are essential to deliver the capability required by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to maintain Australia's security."
It follows the budget decision to continue the 2000 White Paper commitment to increase defence spending by three per cent a year until 2015-16.
The DCP includes significant spending on projects to harden and network the army and extend digital communications across land and air force units.
Other features of the DCP include acquiring new helicopters and retiring older models to rationalise the defence helicopter inventory.
About $1 billion will be spent on refurbishing or replacing the RAAF's ageing fleets of C-130H Hercules and Caribou transport aircraft.
That could involve acquiring newer model Hercules aircraft or additional C-17s on top of four already on order.
There appear to be limited options for upgrading the Vietnam-era Caribou tactical transports.
The possibilities include more Chinook helicopters or a new aircraft such as the US-made C-27 Spartan or a mixture of both.
The DCP includes $500 million to enhance the Anzac frigate air search radars and submarine and seamine-detection capabilities, and $350-450 million for a midlife upgrade of the Hawk lead-in fighter in the period 2017-19.
Defence said the DCP would provide industry with procurement plans for the next 10 years, providing greater assurance to make investment decisions.
Opposition defence spokesman Robert McClelland said the DCP was a much-needed revision of defence capability requirements.
He said Labor remained concerned about the government's ability to effectively manage some of the feature projects including the acquisition of new MRH-90 helicopters, C-17 transport aircraft and the upgrade of Anzac frigates.
"If we continue to see billion dollar project bungles like the Seasprite helicopters, the M113 armoured personnel carriers and the FFG frigates, even the three per cent increase will be insufficient to cover the major acquisitions that are planned for the coming decade," he said in a statement.
Govt unveils $51b defence shopping list
Email Print Normal font Large font June 20, 2006 - 8:05PM
Advertisement
AdvertisementDefence Minister Brendan Nelson launched the latest defence equipment shopping list, declaring its $51 billion of new equipment affordable and achievable.
Under the Defence Capability Plan (DCP) 2006-2016, Defence sets out what equipment it believes is needed to achieve national security objectives, what it will cost, and when it could be acquired - should the government approve.
The list includes a new anti-aircraft missile system, and upgrades to Anzac frigates, Hawk jet trainers and Hornet fighters.
Dr Nelson said additional budget funding enabled the DCP to address the rise in the price of military equipment and technology.
"This DCP is fundamentally affordable and achievable," he said.
"The proposals it contains are essential to deliver the capability required by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to maintain Australia's security."
It follows the budget decision to continue the 2000 White Paper commitment to increase defence spending by three per cent a year until 2015-16.
The DCP includes significant spending on projects to harden and network the army and extend digital communications across land and air force units.
Other features of the DCP include acquiring new helicopters and retiring older models to rationalise the defence helicopter inventory.
About $1 billion will be spent on refurbishing or replacing the RAAF's ageing fleets of C-130H Hercules and Caribou transport aircraft.
That could involve acquiring newer model Hercules aircraft or additional C-17s on top of four already on order.
There appear to be limited options for upgrading the Vietnam-era Caribou tactical transports.
The possibilities include more Chinook helicopters or a new aircraft such as the US-made C-27 Spartan or a mixture of both.
The DCP includes $500 million to enhance the Anzac frigate air search radars and submarine and seamine-detection capabilities, and $350-450 million for a midlife upgrade of the Hawk lead-in fighter in the period 2017-19.
Defence said the DCP would provide industry with procurement plans for the next 10 years, providing greater assurance to make investment decisions.
Opposition defence spokesman Robert McClelland said the DCP was a much-needed revision of defence capability requirements.
He said Labor remained concerned about the government's ability to effectively manage some of the feature projects including the acquisition of new MRH-90 helicopters, C-17 transport aircraft and the upgrade of Anzac frigates.
"If we continue to see billion dollar project bungles like the Seasprite helicopters, the M113 armoured personnel carriers and the FFG frigates, even the three per cent increase will be insufficient to cover the major acquisitions that are planned for the coming decade," he said in a statement.
