New Zealand to Gut Air Force, Slash Navy

New Zealand’s government said Tuesday that it will strip the air force of fighter jets and sharply reduce the nation’s navy, making the island state the first advanced country in the world to all but abandon air defenses.

The move comes despite warnings from critics and some allies that it would leave the country virtually defenseless.

Prime Minister Helen Clark insisted that her left-of-center government was improving the armed forces with increased spending on equipment and plans to upgrade the army. She said the government will increase military spending by about $820 million over the next 10 years.

“New Zealand is a small country, and it cannot afford to do a wide range of capabilities well,” Clark told reporters.

According to the plan, all of the country’s 17 aging Skyhawk fighter-bombers and 17 Aermacchi jet trainers will be axed, along with about 700 air force personnel, by the end of the year.

The navy will also lose half its large warships and focus more on coastal and fisheries protection with small patrol boats.

It will retain two advanced frigate warships for international operations; the air force will become mainly a transport and patrol force.

New Zealand’s closest ally, Australia, warned earlier that drastic defense cuts could affect New Zealand’s ties with its allies.

The main opposition National Party said it would seek to reverse the cuts if it wins elections due in 2002.

The New Zealand First party slammed the defense cuts, saying they leave the country vulnerable.