WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- New Zealand is preparing to downsize its military as a result of the global economic recession.
Those close to the process say that under the constraints to be unveiled this week, some jobs now done by uniformed staff will be outsourced to civilians, The Dominion Post newspaper in Wellington reported Monday.
The government's White Paper reviewed New Zealand's army, navy and air force and analysts say that the document will cover diverting annual military spending to other governmental concerns.
New Zealand military spending currently stands at $2.85 billion but the choices are stark.
Last month the New Zealand media reported that $1.2 billion will be necessary to replace the aging air force's aging Hercules in the next decade, along with up to $2 billion to replace the military's P3 Orion surveillance planes by 2025 along with an additional $2 billion for new naval frigates by 2030.
The New Zealand military is also reevaluating potential threats, including the rising power of China and the potential for clashes between heavily militarized Asian states.
