New Zealand plans to convert its two mechanized infantry battalions (with M113s) into motorized infantry battalions. They have asked for bids on wheeled armored cars, wanting 24 fire support vehicles and 80 armored personnel carriers. To increase firepower, New Zealand recently bought 24 FN Herstal .50-cal heavy machineguns and plans to buy 24 fire-and-forget anti-tank missile launchers and 24 crew-served 40mm grenade launchers. They have also asked for bids for 308 light trucks to replace the current fleet of 500 land rovers. They recently bought 115 Holden Rodeo off-road vehicles for use by the troops on Timor.--Stephen V Cole