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27 March 2007
The NZDF will increase its deployment to Timor Leste in late-May when it sends up to three helicopters with 32 crew and support staff to further assist with stability operations in the troubled nation.
The RNZAF’s 3 Squadron will deploy two Iroquois helicopters to Timor Leste for up to 12 months, and a third will be put on stand-by. A NZ Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Paul van den Broek, will be the Deputy Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Timor Leste.
The deployment was prompted by a request from the Australian Defence Force to augment their helicopter operations in Timor Leste and provide a more robust capability.
Likely tasks for the crew include insertion and extraction of patrols, assisting with the provision of aero medical evacuation and air logistic support.
New Zealand has been part of the CJTF since it deployed in 2006. There are currently over 150 NZDF and 900 ADF personnel deployed to Timor Leste with the CJTF.
Two NZDF personnel are also part of the UN mission in Timor Leste, and a further two are attached to the Timorese Defence Force as advisors.
Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jack Steer says 3 Squadron are more than ready for the deployment.
“In recent years 3 Squadron have deployed on similar operations in the Solomon Islands and Bougainville, and in 2000 worked in partnership with Australian air assets in Timor Leste.
“We are pleased to be able to provide a further capability to assist the Government of Timor Leste as they continue to strive for stability, and this deployment is further proof of the diverse range of operations the NZDF can effectively contribute to.”
The helicopters will be transported to Timor Leste using the RNZAF C-130 Hercules and will be co-located with the Australian air assets at the Heliport in central Dili.
“This increase in New Zealand’s commitment to the CJTF comes ahead of what is expected to be a particularly volatile period in the lead up to, and following, elections in April”, Prime Minister Helen Clark said.
“The helicopters will provide additional transport to the CJTF as it supports UN operations in what is a mountainous country with a poor road network and where helicopters are essential for moving personnel.”
Ms Clark said New Zealand first became involved in peace support operations in Timor Leste in 1999, as part of UN and regional operations. “The current deployment builds on our efforts to improve regional security”, she said.
This page was last reviewed on 02 April 2007 and is current.
