New Zealand delays international force rotations
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will postpone routine personnel rotations as a result of the travel restrictions introduced globally to tackle COVID-19.
Whilst rotations will not take place, the NZFD reiterated that it is not withdrawing any of its forces from existing missions.
RAdm. Jim Gilmour, Commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, said: ‘Usually, we would be rotating personnel on missions after six or 12 months, depending on the nature of the deployment.’
He continued: ‘because of border closures, travel restrictions and other measures imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 we are compelled to postpone several planned rotations.’
The government announced on 20 April that the country will move out of Alert Level 4 lockdown on 27 April at 23:59.
The country will then remain at Level 3 lockdown for 14 days until the cabinet decides whether to lift the lockdown on 11 May.
More from Defence Notes
-
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.