A series of phased projects addressing changes to the technological and regulatory aviation environment, ensuring that the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) air operations are effective, safe and secure.
The Operational and Regulatory Aviation Compliance Sustainment (ORACS) Projects are equipping NZDF aircraft fleets with updated communication, navigation, air traffic management and identification systems. These must be updated due to a changing global aviation environment, new regulations and technological upgrades that improve safety and security. Without this work being completed NZDF aircraft will be unable to sustain effective, safe and secure air operations in the future.
ORACS is being carried out in two phases, ensuring that investment decisions are fully informed and best placed to meet compliance requirements.
Phase One is delivering Automatic Dependant Surveillance-Broadcast to meet changing civil aviation regulations. Phase Two will address Performance-Based Navigation and secure communications systems updates.
This phased approach was approved by the Government in April 2019 under the initial business case. Funding to commence the first phase was approved, enabling the update of civil air traffic management systems to get underway for a range of NZDF aircraft fleets. These upgrades were prioritised for delivery due to the fast approaching compliance date.
The upgrade of the NH90 helicopter fleet was excluded from the 2019 business case as a solution could not be confirmed and investment quality information was not available at the time. In May 2020, a separate business case for the NH90 work was approved, meaning that ORACS Phase One could be delivered across fleets.
Phases 2(a), 2(b) and 2(c) are also underway, following approval by Cabinet in December 2021, April 2023 and June 2024 to deliver secure communication systems updates and a new navigation system.
