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Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the arrival of the first two new Air Force T-6C pilot training aircraft is an important milestone.

“It is great to see the first T-6C aircraft arrive in New Zealand just seven months after Beechcraft Defense Company was awarded the contract to deliver a new effective military pilot training system,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says a P3K-2 Orion has today left New Zealand to support international anti-piracy operations.

A Navy command team will also deploy next week, taking the NZDF’s contribution to 68 personnel.

“New Zealand is committed to playing our part in international efforts to tackle piracy,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the new battle training facility for the NZSAS has reached another significant milestone with the signing of a $16.2 million fit out contract with Cubic Range Design Systems.

“It is important the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) has high quality modern training facilities as they are required to maintain the highest standards of training in order to deploy at short notice,” says Dr Coleman.

At the invitation of the New Zealand Minister of Defence, the Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People’s Republic of China, General Fan Changlong, visited New Zealand from 19 to 22 July, 2014. On 21 July, General Fan met with New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt Hon John Key, and held formal talks with Minister Coleman. The two sides discussed enhancing the bilateral defence relationship, current regional security issues, and other matters of common interest. 

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman will hold talks on Monday with General Fan Changlong.

“As the top uniformed officer in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the most senior Chinese officer to visit New Zealand since 2010, General Fan’s visit reflects the excellent state of our bilateral relationship,” says Dr Coleman.

“I look forward to meeting with General Fan and welcoming him to New Zealand. It will be a good opportunity to progress our defence engagement, and to discuss current regional security issues.”

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Government has given approval for the NZDF to seek a replacement for the naval tanker HMNZS Endeavour.

“To operate effectively the NZDF needs to provide fuel and logistical support to its deployed ships, helicopters and vehicles,” says Dr Coleman.

“This capability is crucial given New Zealand’s vast maritime area, and our security and disaster relief responsibilities in the South Pacific. Without it NZDF operations would be limited in duration or dependent on our partners.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says HMNZS Canterbury has arrived in Hawaii this morning as Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) gets underway.

“HMNZS Canterbury’s docking at Pearl Harbor marks the first time in 30 years since a New Zealand ship berthed at a US Naval Base for RIMPAC. It is a tangible sign of the warmth of our relationship with the US,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman has today officially opened the new Air Movements Terminal at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

“The new $12.6 million high-tech Air Movements Terminal has the capacity to process military personnel and freight more efficiently, improving the NZDF’s ability to respond to disaster relief events, and to deploy on exercises and overseas missions,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the 2014 Defence Capability Plan shows good progress has been made on modernising NZDF capabilities.

“The 2014 Defence Capability Plan describes the new equipment and assets that the NZDF will purchase over the next decade. It resets capability and investment priorities, and focuses on the NZDF’s ability to deliver joint operations, and grow combat and support capabilities,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Government has given approval for the NZDF to seek a replacement for the Steyr rifle.

“It is important NZDF personnel are well equipped and have effective modern rifles suited to today’s operational environment,” says Dr Coleman.

“The Steyr rifle has served the NZDF well for over 20 years and it has seen considerable operational use, but it is now reaching the end of its lifespan. Weapon technology has advanced considerably since the NZDF purchased the Steyr rifle in 1987.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman welcomes two defence arrangements with France and South Korea which were signed at Shangri-La Dialogue.

“It is important to develop our practical co-operation, and to strengthen our relationships with a range of defence partners,” says Dr Coleman.

Dr Coleman and French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian signed a Status of Forces Agreement on defence co-operation. It provides a framework for existing and future defence engagement activities, including exercises and training.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman is today travelling to Singapore to join his counterparts at the Shangri-La Dialogue. He will also attend the Five Powers Defence Arrangements Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia.

Dr Coleman will hold a number of bilateral meetings with counterparts from a range of countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, France, the UK, Republic of Korea, and Japan.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman will join New Zealand veterans at the Cassino Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the battles of Monte Cassino.

“It is a privilege to be here at Cassino with the 38 New Zealand veterans of the Italian campaign at New Zealand’s national commemorative service to honour those who gave their lives whilst serving their country,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman will travel to Italy today for the 70th anniversary commemorations of the battles of Monte Cassino this weekend.

“I am looking forward to joining the 38 New Zealand veterans of the Italian campaign to pay our respects to those who paid the ultimate price whilst serving their country,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman has launched ‘What did you do in the war, Grandy?’ a competition for New Zealand school students sponsored by the New Zealand Society of Genealogists.

“This competition represents a great opportunity for families to continue the momentum generated by Anzac Day,” says Dr Coleman. 

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Government has awarded the prime contract for the frigate combat systems upgrade to Lockheed Martin Canada.

“HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana are nearly 20 years old and it is important to update their self-defence and sensor capabilities systems to a standard comparable to the frigates used by Australia, Canada and the UK,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the New Zealand P-3K2 Orion involved in the international search effort for missing Malaysian Airlines plane MH370 will arrive back in New Zealand on Thursday.

“I would like to thank the crew of the Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 who have played their part in the international search effort for MH370. They did a highly professional job,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman is joining local Iwi to commemorate the battle of Gate Pa - Pukehinahina.

“It is important that we remember and honour those who served during the New Zealand Wars, and today marks the 150th anniversary of the battle of Gate Pa,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the Government is committed to strengthening the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), and will be investing $100.9 million of operating funding in 2014/2015.

“This significant investment in our Defence Force, combined with the savings and reinvestment achieved through recent reforms, means the Government is addressing the long term funding gap which we inherited,” Dr Coleman says.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the NZDF is providing assistance to the community of Whataroa in Southern Westland in the wake of the recent significant storm damage.

“I asked the NZDF to provide appropriate assistance to Whataroa to help with the extensive clean-up following the recent storm,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says Anzac Day will be especially poignant this year with the start of WWI centenary commemorations.

“Tomorrow marks the 99th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, and New Zealanders at home and overseas will come together to honour those who gave their lives whilst serving their country in past and recent times,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says the first batch of new Medium-Heavy Operational Vehicles have been delivered to NZDF units.

“It is great to see these vehicles being used by the NZDF just 12 months on from when they were purchased,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman joined Defence Force personnel including the Vice Chief of Defence Force Air Vice-Marshal Kevin Short, to collect donations for the annual Poppy Day appeal in Wellington today.

“Poppy Day is one of New Zealand’s oldest nationwide appeals, and it is great to see New Zealanders give their support. These donations are vital to local Returned and Services’ Association’s so they can continue to help veterans, ex-service personnel, and their families,” says Dr Coleman.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman will meet with Admiral Samuel Locklear Commander of US Pacific Command on Monday.

“I am looking forward to meeting with Admiral Locklear to discuss our bilateral defence relationship and key security issues facing the Asia-Pacific region. The US Pacific Command is a major contributor to defence and security within our region,” says Dr Coleman.