New Zealand

[NuclearID]

New Zealand announced a NZ$1.58 billion defense uplift in Budget 2026, with a major maritime security focus. NZDF says the package includes drone systems, critical ship maintenance, naval fleet replacement work, and defensive/offensive maritime capability investments.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2058942994242310243

 

[NuclearID]

Japan says New Zealand has named Japan’s upgraded Mogami class frigate as a candidate for its future frigate replacement program. New Zealand said it plans to submit a recommendation to Cabinet before the end of 2027.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2060677061774074273

 

[NuclearID]

New Zealand said RNZN frigate HMNZS Te Mana and replenishment vessel HMNZS Aotearoa departed Devonport Naval Base on June 12th for RIMPAC in Hawaii. The deployment includes a combined ships’ company of 280 personnel.

NZDF said RIMPAC will run around the Hawaiian Islands in July & August and include 31 nations, around 40 surface ships, 5 submarines, 140+ aircraft, and 25,000+ personnel for the exercise.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2065356271478354387

 

[NuclearID]

New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules returned from its first deployment to the U.S. led Exercise Red Flag in Alaska after operating among 85 multinational aircraft in a simulated high end combat environment.

Training included threat evasion, tactical airdrops, unprepared airstrip operations, fighter escort coordination, aircraft self protection systems and coalition tactical datalinks, including support for a Joint Forcible Entry Operation with the U.S. 11th Airborne Division.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2069346606407630905

 

[NuclearID]

Around 300 New Zealand Army personnel are conducting Exercise Crete at Waiouru Military Training Area. The combat exercise focuses on tactical proficiency, battlefield initiative and requiring commanders and soldiers to adapt and make critical decisions as operational conditions change.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2069693416250712175

 

[NuclearID]

New Zealand will seek information from suppliers on human operated, long range strike drones intended for one way missions, with domestic industry encouraged to participate.

Separate market research covers unarmed long range unmanned aircraft for maritime surveillance. Each program has an indicative allocation between NZ$100 million and NZ$300 million.

No contract has been awarded, and no requirements, suppliers or quantities have been selected.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2082380655535480908

 

[NuclearID]

New Zealand’s NZSIS says it disrupted an attempt by PRC based Purple Mountain Observatory to install ground based space infrastructure through a local company likely unaware the equipment could collect intelligence of military value or who would receive the data.

NZSIS assessed the collected data would have been willingly transferred to the PRC government.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2087821693972607216