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http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articl ... 7-buy.html
(Source: New Zealand First Party; issued Dec 15, 2014)
New Zealand First is stunned by news that the New Zealand Defence Force has enquired about buying the $400 million C17 Globemaster III.
“There is no way we could justify the $US2 billion price tag to replace our Hercules fleet let alone operate them,” says New Zealand First Defence Spokesperson Ron Mark.
The cost is really our point because ‘budgetary limitations’ would likely land us with only two or maybe three C17’s. This means, yet again, we are trading numbers for size but two aircraft cannot be in three locations at the same time.
Which party? This one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand_First“We wasted hundreds of millions buying too many Light Armoured Vehicles.
We then bought hugely expensive NH90 helicopters and in fewer numbers than the Iroquois they replaced.
Even then, we scrimped on automated folding rotors so taking the NH90’s to sea isn’t easy on that North Sea ferry design they used for the Canterbury.
“Labour also squandered $226 million extending the life of our C130s instead of going for new or modern aircraft via United States’ Department of Defense stock.
“That would have been much cheaper and better given our youngest Hercules was delivered back in 1969. We must ensure our five old C130’s are replaced with at least five airlifters.
