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New Zealand army upgrades with new truck fleet

Xinhua, June 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

The New Zealand military claimed a major leap forward in its capabilities Thursday with the final delivery of 194 new combat-capable trucks.

The Medium Heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV) were made by Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia and will be used for logistics support, replacing an aging Unimog and Mercedes fleet.

The new fleet comprised 6-tonne, 9-tonne and 15-tonne vehicles, which had greater carrying capacity for cargo and supplies, as well as bolt-on armor kits and weapon mounts, said the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn, said the MHOVs were a major leap forward in capability and technology for the NZDF.

"Across a range of employment contexts, the MHOV offers us a significantly enhanced logistics and movements capability as a land force for the future," Gawn said in a statement.

"Further to the normal troop and equipment carrying roles, additional vehicles are fitted with winches and cranes which will enable fully independent operations."

Five of the vehicles had been taken to Australia for use in next month's Exercise Talisman Sabre, Australia's biggest military exercise, which will also involve a large U.S. contingent. Endi