Bob Edlin: A big Budget boost for Defence spending....

A big Budget boost for Defence spending – does that call for even more hospital spending, to care for war casualties?

Joy Wilkie, from Ōtaki, no doubt was especially interested in the news from Defence Minster Judith Collins on Budget Day. Earlier in the day, her letter of disapproval of the Government’s intentions to sharpen our military capability had been published in The Post.

Collins press statement was headed National security brings economic benefits.

Pulling our weight in an increasingly volatile world will keep New Zealanders safe while boosting our domestic economy, Defence Minister Judith Collins says.

“To achieve this, the Government has allocated $2.7 billion of capital and $563 million of operating funding for priority projects identified in the Defence Capability Plan we released last month.

“This includes the replacement of maritime helicopters and complements the $957 million for defence activities, personnel and estate previously announced,” Ms Collins says.

“This previous announcement, and today’s commitments, brings the total investment in Defence to $4.2 billion in Budget 2025.

Collins announced investments in critical tools that support the country’s national and economic security. This ranges from updated and interoperable missile systems to counter uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to protect our people and assets, through to planes that are essential for deploying troops and equipment and supporting international trade and diplomatic missions.

“We will be looking to use New Zealand businesses where it makes sense to do so, further demonstrating the Government’s commitment to supporting those who are innovative and capable of developing tools and capability that Defence needs.

“Ultimately, spending on Defence will result in economic benefits to everyday New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses. I look forward to seeing our Defence industry grow in a range of areas, whether through New Zealand designed or built products, particularly in the advanced technology area, infrastructure development, or domestic contractors supporting high-value military procurement.”

The $2.7 billion in capital and $563 million in operating funding announced in Budget 2025 for priority Defence projects covers essential items including:

• replacing the two Boeing 757s to support military operations and deployments, humanitarian and disaster relief support, and trade and diplomatic missions
• replacing the Seasprite maritime helicopters to operate from Navy ships (previously announced)
• replacing the Javelin anti-armour missile system launch units with new units to ensure interoperability with partner militaries and provide the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) with the ability to fire at longer ranges
• encrypted radios to provide deployed Army units with secure voice communication
• a counter-UAS that can be set up in fixed locations and is able to disable drones/UAS that could pose a threat to personnel, aircraft/vehicles and infrastructure
• detailed design work for the future of Devonport Naval Base; and
• investment in homes for Defence families, Defence infrastructure, modernising the Defence vehicle fleet and digital and information management projects.

“These investments are critical to enable Defence to increase its lethality, protect New Zealand, and deliver what we expect of them,” Ms Collins says.

The Defence Capability Plan outlines planned commitments of $12 billion over the next four years – including $9 billion of new spending – subject to future Budget decisions and Cabinet approving business cases.

Delivering on this plan would take Defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP by 2032/33.

Collins said:

“The Government’s backing of Defence shows a very real recognition of the value we place on the men and women who serve and protect this country and its interests.

“Our people are being called upon to go more places, more often and for longer to play New Zealand’s part in contributing to global security. This funding will enable them to do that.

“We will pull our weight.”

Joy Wilkie has taken issue with the $12 billion defence commitment.

Her letter is headed

Walking wounded

This government is spending $12 billion (over 4 years) for “enhanced lethality and strike capabilities”. Where is the special budget for hospitals to have capability to care for the maimed as a result of the use of these weapons?

Joy Wilkie, Ōtaki

Here at PoO, we discussed Joy Wilkie’s concerns.

We imagine our “enhanced lethality” and “strike capabilities” are not intended for use against New Zealanders.

If anyone is harmed – whether killed or injured – presumably they will have been declared to be our enemies.

Isn’t it up to the enemy to provide hospital care for those of its troops who might need it?

We recall the thinking of General George S. Patton:

The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his.

On the other hand, is the provision of better military equipment more likely – or less – to enhance the wellbeing of our own troops?

And if we do not appropriately arm or defend ourselves against an enemy, will our hospitals necessarily be spared the need to care for “the maimed”?

Just a thought or two…

First,

Bob Edlin is a veteran journalist and editor for the Point of Order blog HERE. - where this article was sourced.