NZDF Weapons Upgrade
Air Force personnel practise ground defence with the Steyr as part of the Core Military Skills Course. AK-05-0046-68-tn.jpg.
A NZDF-wide programme has been initiated to upgrade, replace, or introduce into service ten weapons systems. The most significant components are the proposed upgrade of the IW Steyr, and the replacement of the Light Support Weapon.
Other weapons systems that will be part of the programme are; tactical shotguns, marksman weapons, sniper rifles, SFMG tripod and target acquisition systems, anti-material weapons, pistols, Carl Gustafs and M203s.
The scope of this programme will form a major part of the NZDF’s ongoing modernisation programme. The objectives of the programme are to address in-Service weapon capability gaps from less-lethal to lethal effects, with a particular focus on:
- Ammunition – lethal, less lethal and simulation munitions;
- Small arms surveillance and target acquisition systems;
- Enhancing personal protection;
- Enhancing the accuracy of direct fire engagements;
- Providing the capabilities to support the enhancement of marksmanship skills across the NZDF.
It is planned for the programme to be complete by 2014, with the IW Steyr upgrade to begin next year and finish in 2011.
The decision to enhance the IW Steyr weapon, rather than replace it was based on a number of factors. These include the sound condition of the current Steyr fleet, the Steyr being at least the equivalent of comparable replacement options from a ballistic performance perspective, while the cost of a replacement system is considerably higher than upgrading options. Also, if the NZDF was to replace the Steyr, it would commit the NZDF to a weapon system for at least the next 20 years that may be surpassed by technological advances in the near future. The decision to upgrade is also consistent with developments overseas.
The upgrade of the Steyr will focus on enhancing the modularity of the weapon so it can accept a wider range of sighting systems and ancillary options such as white light and aiming devices. Only a proportion of the Steyr fleet will be upgraded.
The most urgent of the 10 projects is the replacement of the LSW. The LSW is nearing the end of its economic life and a replacement programme for this weapon will begin next year and finish in 2010.
A range of weapon optics, ancillary items and ammunition is currently being acquired for a test and evaluation phase to inform the programme. This work will be conducted by the Small Arms Wing at the Combat School in Waiouru in conjunction with the Defence Technology Agency.
Information briefs will be conducted at all the major Bases and camps in November 2007 and January 2008 to provide staff with more details surrounding the programme. Further updates will also be provided in single Service newspapers and magazines as the programme progresses.