NZDF calls in contractor to clear Afghan firing ranges
The New Zealand Defence Forces (NZDF) have contracted the Organisation for Mine Clearance and Afghan Rehabilitation (OMAR) to carry out clearance of five of its former firing ranges in Bamyan Province.
OMAR beat competition from 10 other contenders for the NZ$6.2 million ($3.7 million) contract.
According to the NZDF, the COVID-19 outbreak had slowed the progress of the contract and it is expected that further disruption to the project will occur as a result of the pandemic.
The firing ranges were operated by the NZDF’s Provincial Reconstruction Team (pictured) between 2003 and 2013 for firing non-explosive small-arms rounds and some high-explosive rounds.
After the NZDF left in 2013, the firing ranges were cleared according to the standards at the time but the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has since introduced stricter standards for range clearance that were adopted by the Afghan Directorate of Mine Action Coordination.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Leonardo projects €30 billion in revenue by 2029]()
Leonardo projects €30 billion in revenue by 2029
The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
-
![What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?]()
What does the US decision to pause Ukraine support mean for the war and the stock markets?
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
-
![Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet]()
Ireland begins work on buying fighter jets and doubling the naval fleet
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
-
![UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens]()
UK defence budget increased to 2.5% by 2027 as geopolitical landscape darkens
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.
-
![Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons]()
Ukraine leads the way on battlefield use of directed energy weapons
Increased drone use in Ukraine and in Middle Eastern conflicts has created a strong impetus to develop laser and radio-frequency firepower as exploration of direct-energy technology intensifies.
