New Zealand to buy $NZD300m strike drones in defence modernisation
Strike drones worth up to $A249 million are being eyed by the New Zealand government under its Defence Capability Plan.
New Zealand plans to purchase long-range one-way strike drones as it looks to bolster its defence capability, Defence Minister Chris Penk says.
The government has set aside up to $NZ300 million ($A249 million) within its Defence Capability Plan.
Prime Minister Chris Luxon’s government also plans to begin research on unarmed long-range uncrewed aircraft for maritime surveillance, with NZ businesses encouraged to respond to both requests.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.One-way strike drones are human-operated systems that deliver an explosive to a target without returning to their launch point, offering a lower-cost alternative to missiles.
The Defence Force’s operating budget is $NZ2.6 billion, more than 80 per cent of which is already spent within New Zealand.
Mr Penk said New Zealand industry has expertise in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and uncrewed systems, with a growing number of firms developing drone and simulation technologies.
“We will soon place with industry a request for information and while we will consider all viable options, we are especially interested in supporting local innovation, skills and industrial capability,” he said.
Mr Penk said the purchases would be part of a wider effort to address historical underinvestment, and comes as the international security environment becomes “increasingly unpredictable”.
“We must ensure the New Zealand Defence Force can operate effectively, including alongside our partners, to deter potential threats and protect New Zealand’s security,” he said.
with AAP
