What to Do with the Army’s Surplus Light Armoured Vehicles

New Zealand First wants the 2015 Defence White Paper to look at options for the 35 Light Armoured Vehicles reportedly declared surplus by the National Government in 2010. The Party is eyeing these LAVs as a way to regenerate lost capabilities for the Army.

“There is meant to be a Defence White Paper in 2015 and New Zealand First wants to use the White Paper process to regain Army capabilities that were lost under Labour and National,” says Ron Mark, New Zealand First Defence spokesperson.

“Labour literally took the gas axe to direct fire support and mortar carriers while National has just shrugged its shoulders.

“In 2010, One News obtained documents which said 35 LAVs were likely to be sold and this tallies with all the LAVs at the Trentham Army camp.

“Instead of selling off our ‘low mileage, one carful owner’ LAVs at bargain basement prices, we have a great opportunity through the Defence White Paper to use them to regenerate key capabilities.

“For example, we could convert 24 LAVs and deploy two batteries equipped with a 105mm gun system and two batteries of LAVs deploying the 120mm mortar.

“The remaining 11 surplus LAVs could be converted into command and control, reconnaissance and engineering variants.

“Our objective is to use what we’ve got to give our Army real teeth with mobile direct fire and heavy indirect fire support. We also possess the engineering capability and nous to do these conversions here in New Zealand too,” Mr Mark said.

ENDS

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