The New Zealand Ministry of Defence is actively seeking insights from companies and experts as part of a new initiative focused on the development of surveillance drones for monitoring the Pacific region. This effort is consistent with the country’s Defence Capability Plan, which underscores the critical role of uncrewed technologies, such as drones, in bolstering national security and aiding regional partners.
The planned surveillance drones aim to provide ongoing maritime monitoring to protect New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone. To advance this initiative, the Ministry has issued a tender to gather expertise on the necessary technology and its applications.
In a communication to RNZ, the Ministry emphasized that while these drones represent a vital component of the broader long-range drone project outlined in the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, they are not the only options under consideration. The Ministry is evaluating a variety of potential solutions to achieve effective surveillance.
To further this effort, workshops are scheduled for the end of this month. The insights gathered from these discussions will help develop an indicative business case for the project later this year.
Although Defence Minister Judith Collins refrained from commenting on the specifics, it is significant to note that the government previously announced in April 2022 a plan to invest $12 billion over four years to create a “modern, combat-capable” Defence Force. This initiative coincides with a commitment to boost New Zealand’s defence spending from approximately 1% to over 2% of GDP within the next eight years, marking a notable shift in the nation’s defence policy.
This focus on enhancing defence capabilities illustrates New Zealand’s proactive stance in addressing regional security concerns and ensuring the safety of its maritime territory, providing a hopeful outlook on the country’s commitment to modernizing its defence infrastructure.