The Defence Minister is tight-lipped over whether a major investment in the military, will mean better pay for frontline troops. 

Defence contractors will be lining up their bids to build the Defence Force's new maritime helicopters.

Judith Collins revealed yesterday two-billion dollars has been set aside for new helicopters, while 957-million's been earmarked over four years for Defence Force activities. 

She told Ryan Bridge troops already had quite large pay rises last year, and every time they go overseas, they get extra money on top of their usual pay.