New Zealand Commits NZ$1.6 Billion to Drones and Naval Upgrades for Maritime Security
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 23
New Zealand Commits NZ$1.6 Billion to Drones and Naval Upgrades for Maritime Security
1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 23
NZ$1.6 billion will go to drones, ship maintenance and naval upgrades as New Zealand moves to strengthen protection of key maritime routes.
Two drone systems are planned: a long-endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform for the southwest Pacific, and a polar-capable vehicle that can operate from naval vessels in the Southern Ocean.
Defence Minister Chris Penk said the spending responds to rising concern over supply-route security for the island nation.
The package signals a broader push to expand New Zealand’s reach across both its Pacific neighborhood and southern maritime approaches.
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