THE WASHINGTON POST: New Zealand looks to drones for offshore defense surveillance
THE WASHINGTON POST: New Zealand is stepping up its move toward increased use of drones to support its defense forces, and has requested information to help develop an offshore surveillance project.
New Zealand is stepping up its move toward increased use of drones to support its defense forces, and has requested information to help develop an offshore surveillance project.
The Ministry of Defence is considering how it can deliver Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance activities using long-range, remotely piloted aircraft.
The ministry is looking for a commercial operator to run the surveillance project and last week lodged a formal Request for Information seeking feedback from manufacturers of uncrewed aerial systems such as drones.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The ministry requires answers to a number of questions which will inform the next stages of the Persistent Surveillance (Air) project, it said in the notice which was posted on the Government Electronic Tender Service.
New Zealand last year unveiled a new Defence Capability Plan aimed at increasing overall defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product over the next eight years.
It has already announced plans to buy new navy helicopters and is considering options to replace naval frigates.
The plan also outlined the intention to use more uncrewed systems that can assist land and maritime forces, including uncrewed vertical take-off and landing aircraft to replace some maritime helicopter tasks, and uncrewed surface and subsurface vessels to help monitor and protect its Exclusive Economic Zone.
Last week, Defence Minister Chris Penk said the government had begun the process to purchase long-range one-way strike drones.
He said officials will consider all viable options, but is especially interested in supporting local innovation, skills and industrial capability.
At the time he said that as the international security environment becomes increasingly unpredictable, the government must ensure the New Zealand Defence Force can operate effectively, including alongside its partners, to deter potential threats and protect New Zealand’s security.
A commercial operator of uncrewed systems will be responsible for all aspects of delivering an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission, including provision of the uncrewed aerial systems, and operational and technical support, operating from RNZAF Base Ohakea in the central North Island, according to the ministry’s notice.
The operator must be capable of delivering two missions per week, for 52 weeks of the year with each mission providing as much as six hours of surveillance at a range of about 1,400 nautical miles from the base.
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