DEFENCE New Zealand orders F-16 corruption investigation

DEFENCE New Zealand orders F-16 corruption investigationThe New Zealand Government has ordered investigations into alleged complicity by senior army officials to undermine the leasing of 28 Lockheed Martin F-16s for the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

The move follows allegations by political and former military officials suggesting the army undermined the F-16 deal to safeguard its NZ$600 million ($268million) armoured personnel carrier acquisition.

New Zealand defence minister Mark Burton says the investigations, while still awaiting Cabinet approval, will include a "comprehensive review of relationships and accountabilities between the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force.

"There will also be inquiries into the specific allegations that have been raised, and into wider issues surrounding the leaking of documents and information."

Source: Flight International