New Zealand plans to purchase long-range, one-way strike drones and is researching unarmed maritime surveillance aircraft. Defence Minister Chris Penk emphasized supporting local manufacturers and modernizing the Defence Force in response to a changing security environment.
The procurement of advanced drone capabilities signifies New Zealand's commitment to modernizing its defence forces and enhancing regional security in a more unpredictable global landscape. It also aims to stimulate domestic innovation and economic growth within the country's advanced manufacturing and technology sectors.
New Zealand is initiating the procurement of long-range, one-way strike drones and is conducting market research for unarmed long-range uncrewed aircraft for maritime surveillance. Defence Minister Chris Penk announced the plans, emphasizing the need to modernize the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) in response to a changing international security environment and to support domestic industry.
The one-way strike drones are described as human-operated, non-autonomous systems designed to deliver explosives to a target without returning to their launch point, offering a more cost-effective alternative to missiles and enhancing operational flexibility. The government is actively encouraging New Zealand businesses to participate in the procurement process, highlighting the country's expertise in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, and uncrewed systems.
Penk stated that the government is addressing historical underinvestment in defence capabilities. He noted that over 80% of the NZDF's NZ$2.6 billion operating budget is already spent within New Zealand, contributing to local economic activity and skilled employment. The procurement efforts are part of the broader Defence Capability Plan, with allocated funding ranges of NZ$100 million to NZ$300 million for both the strike drone program and the surveillance aircraft initiative.