New Zealand eyed for Singaporean air force pilot training

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Singaporean air force pilots could come to New Zealand to train in the future, according to the Government.

The pilots are currently trained in France by defence contractor Lockheed Martin, which is in the process of renegotiating its contract.

Under a new deal, New Zealand's Ohakea Air Force base was being considered as a potential training ground for the pilots, reported Radio New Zealand, with Whenuapai Air Force base as a back-up.

New Zealand officials are promoting the plan, the Government has confirmed, however Economic Minister Gerry Brownlee said it was "very early days at this point."

If Lockheed Martin was able to renew its training contract, Mr Brownlee was hopeful an agreement to come to New Zealand could be completed in the first quarter of the year, Radio New Zealand reported.

- NZPA