Missiles way off target

Green Party defence spokesperson Keith Locke is questioning Defence Force priorities, in the wake of revelations that more money will have to be spent to make a $23 million missile system useable.

"We had hoped that after the scrapping of the air combat wing the Defence Force would have given up on high-tech-toys-for-the-boys," said Keith Locke.

"The army has wasted $23 million on a missile system that is irrelevant to New Zealand's current defence priorities and now we find out that many more millions will have to be spent just to make it operable.

"I strongly urge the Defence Minister not to waste any more money on this project when we need to focus resources on practical peacekeeping equipment like radios, or on new patrol boats to protect our economic zone."

ENDS

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