Boost for O¯ hakea
The P8s would give New Zealand increased reconnaissance capabilities, especially when it comes to hunting submarines.
Several hundred people will be brought to Manawatu¯ when the No 5 Squadron shifts from Whenuapai to O¯ hakea airbase. Significant spending will also be needed to improve O¯ hakea’s facilities to get them ready for Boeing P8A Poseidon maritime patrol planes from 2023. The Defence Force would need to build hangars, boost accommodation and build a simulator at O¯ hakea, as well as strengthening taxiways, new Defence Force chief Kevin Short said. Cabinet has approved the purchase of four Boeing P8A Poseidon planes from the United States and ‘‘ageing’’ Orion aircraft are being phased out. The planes, replacing the retiring six P3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft, will cost NZ$2.34 billion. A Defence Force spokesman said the timing of the moves would be planned to support the need for training and preparation for aircraft arrival. The P8s would give New Zealand increased reconnaissance capabilities, especially when it comes to hunting submarines. The number of people moving to O¯ hakea was likely to be several hundred, including family of staff, the spokesman said. New facilities would be built at O¯ hakea for No 5 Squadron, including for aircraft, crews, maintenance and mission support. Whenuapai is the largest air force base in the country, employing more than 1000 people. But its short runway and proximity to houses means the new P8 Poseidon aircraft would not have room to attach weapons. Defence Minister Ron Mark said it ‘‘made sense’’ to relocate.