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When precisely will the LAVs be deployed?
Wayne Mapp MP
National Party Defence Spokesman
9 March 2007
When precisely will the LAVs be deployed?
“Defence Minister Phil Goff needs to say precisely when he expects the Government’s fleet of Light Armoured Vehicles to be deployed,” says National Party Defence spokesman Wayne Mapp.
“New Zealand’s currently got troops scattered throughout most of the world’s trouble spots, yet none of the Light Armoured Vehicles have been deployed for their purpose – that is transporting and providing security for our personnel.
“Mr Goff has said that Afghanistan is becoming more dangerous. The LAVs would provide excellent protection if the situation deteriorates in Bamyan province.”
Dr Mapp is commenting in light of revelations that three dozen LAVs are out of service awaiting repair.
“Mr Goff needs to say precisely when he expects all the kinks to be ironed out so the LAVs can be used for what they were designed. There seems little point in having more than 100 of these vehicles sitting in garages in New Zealand.
“Mr Goff has said that military equipment should be purchased only if it has a real use. On that basis, when can we expect the LAVs will be used?”
ENDS
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