I have posted another thread about the Royal New Zealand Air Force ("RNZAF") retaining an air combat capability, which can be read here for those that are interested.
A summary is found in the quote below:
Now something that I've been considering is what if the RNZAF acquires a squadron of light attack aircraft such as the Super Tucanos, which then allow them to fulfil a light attack / observation niche capability that is pertinent for low intensity conflicts or even peace keeping operations. If the RNZAF had this capability than it could have proven relevant to East Timor (hard to argue escalation if you deploy propeller driven aircraft), Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands (limited utility here) & possibly Iraq.
The key question is when does this decision need to be made and how can it be made? Personally, I think the decision needs to be made prior to 1998 and it is a capability that is demonstrated by chance in East Timor, then subsequently retained by the Labor government.
Although happy for suggestions about other aircraft options and for PODs to do so.
A summary is found in the quote below:
In 1998 New Zealand government ordered 28 F - 16A/B Fighting Falcon to replace their A - 4 K Skyhawk fleet. This order was cancelled by the incoming Labour government in 1999, who then disbanded No. 2 (Skyhawk), No 75 (Skyhawk) & 14 (Aeremacchi) squadrons, leaving the RNZAF without an air combat capability. From Wiki - by 2003 the RNZAF was reduced to 53 aircraft and approximately 2,500 personnel.
Now something that I've been considering is what if the RNZAF acquires a squadron of light attack aircraft such as the Super Tucanos, which then allow them to fulfil a light attack / observation niche capability that is pertinent for low intensity conflicts or even peace keeping operations. If the RNZAF had this capability than it could have proven relevant to East Timor (hard to argue escalation if you deploy propeller driven aircraft), Afghanistan, the Solomon Islands (limited utility here) & possibly Iraq.
The key question is when does this decision need to be made and how can it be made? Personally, I think the decision needs to be made prior to 1998 and it is a capability that is demonstrated by chance in East Timor, then subsequently retained by the Labor government.
Although happy for suggestions about other aircraft options and for PODs to do so.