12 Jun 2019

Defence Force 'super' Hercules planes unnecessary - Greens

From Morning Report, 7:20 am on 12 June 2019

The centrepiece of the Defence Force's new $20 billion upgrade is being labelled unnecessary.

After months in the planning, Defence Minister Ron Mark announced his long-awaited Capability Plan on Tuesday - outlining scores of essential purchases for the Army, Navy and Air Force over the next decade and beyond.

At the heart is $1 billion to replace the old 1960s Hercules fleet with modern versions - or 'Super Hercs' - by 2023.

But the Greens say the government shouldn't be investing in war-making capabilities anymore.

RNZ defence reporter Jonathan Mitchell has the details.