Robert Dougherty

NZ Minister of Defence Judith Collins, speaking at RNZAF Base Auckland, announced the large investment in New Zealand Defence Force operating funding ahead of the country’s 2025 Budget.

The Northrop Grumman-manufactured high altitude, long endurance, remotely piloted aircraft system, labelled online as United States military A57-002 (similar aircraft pictured), arrived at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory earlier this week.

Works began in early April on the large-scale infrastructure and facilities upgrade, which aims to bolster the base’s operational capacity, safety and resilience.

Bland Shire Council received more than $167,670 from the NSW government to repair and upgrade the plane including site works at Lions Park, concreting, paint stripping and re-painting.

The program, which will also be held in Wallis and Futuna, will also be attended by Australian combat engineers, military police, health teams and planning personnel.

The South Australian government has announced that a large parcel of land will be rezoned to support the state’s defence manufacturing capabilities.