WikiLeaks: NZDF to provide P-3 Orion to PSI exercise

May 25, 2007 SUBJECT: NZDF TO PROVIDE P-3 ORION TO PSI EXERCISE

Classified By: ACTING DCM KATHERINE B. HADDA, FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)

1. (C) NZDF Director of International Defence Relations Wayne Higgins told Emboffs today that Chief of Defence Force Mataparae has approved an NZDF P-3 Orion's participation in a regional, Operations Expert Group (OEG)-led PSI exercise, to be held in Japan October 15-18. The decision was made following a request from Japan. Higgins said that it would be a struggle for NZDF to contribute the plane given the Orion upgrades now underway, but when Japan stepped up to host the exercise the GNZ wanted to offer support. He added that NZDF gives priority to contributing assets to regional PSI exercises, given that New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and Singapore are the only Asia-Pacific regional OEG members.

2. (C) Higgins said NZDF is informing the Embassy of the decision now in order to give the USG ample time to process any necessary waivers for U.S. participation in the exercise. They will also pass this information to U.S. officials through the NZ Embassy in Washington.

Keegan

ENDS

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