The Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) McDonnell A-4K Skyhawk and Aeromacchi MB339CB aircraft were retired from operational service on 13 December with 2, 14 and 75 Squadrons being disbanded. The move marks the end of the country's air combat capability.
The withdrawal brings to a close RNZAF training support to the Australian Defence Forces, with all aircraft stationed in Australia returning to New Zealand on 9 December.
The New Zealand government had been targeting a sale of the aircraft by the end of 2001 with Ernst & Young appointed to oversee the divestment earlier this year. No buyer has yet been announced.
New Zealand defence minister Mark Burton told parliament that future Royal New Zealand Navy and Army air defence training will be provided by contractors.
Former New Zealand National Party defence minister Max Bradford described the disbanding of the three squadrons as a "black week" for the RNZAF. "We will have no air power and our ground troops will have to beg and borrow air support from other nations."
Air Commodore Bruce Ferguson has been appointed the new Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, replacing Air Marshal Carey Adamson, who retires in February 2002. Ferguson is now the head of personnel in the New Zealand Defence headquarters. The new chief of the RNZAF will be Air Commodore John Hamilton, who will replace Air Vice Marshal Don Hamilton.Source: Flight International
