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The New Zealand government has revealed plans to investigate acquiring one-way, non-autonomous strike drones as part of an upgrade to the New Zealand Defence Force.
The plan to acquire human-operated strike drones for delivering explosives to a target without returning to launch points follows recent announcements to begin market research into unarmed long-range uncrewed aircraft systems capable of conducting maritime surveillance tasks.
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Both investments were outlined in the NZ Defence Capability Plan, with $100 million to $300 million allocated, and capability requirements will be confirmed through the acquisition process.
The government is beginning the process of purchasing long-range one-way strike drones, with a particular focus on New Zealand industry for solutions, New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk said.
“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,” Minister Penk said.
“This Government is fixing the basics by addressing historical Defence underinvestment, and that includes modernising our capability.
“We cannot have prosperity without security. 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.
“Defence is increasingly being viewed as a driver that can create skilled jobs, boost economic and regional growth, and through partnership strengthen innovation and high-value industry.
“New Zealand’s industry has expertise across advanced manufacturing, including digital technologies and emerging capabilities such as uncrewed systems.
“There is a growing number of businesses supporting Defence operations, including with firms developing drone and simulation technologies, and this is an opportunity to further locally led innovation.”
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