NZDF General discussion thread

[kiwipatriot69]

just about any drone that can carry a payload can become a combat capable drone "in some form"...

Certainly. Possibly as a one way suicide mission the air and sea drones could be packed with explosives a with a swarm of them, a few are bound to get through to its target. But that doesnt seem to be the role.mentioned for these Those 'isr' drones dont have the loiter time, range or capability to cover the Maritime patrol role of a P8 four P8 cant do. Which the defence review mentioned!
Which is why myself and others here mentioned seaguardian. Ill gamble and say NZDF wont have that capability gap filled or theyd be trailing much more capable systems now.

 

[Alberto32]

Taranaki Alliance signs MoU with British defence vehicle maker Supacat

Taranaki’s engineering sector has taken a step towards securing work under the Government’s $12 billion Defence Capability Plan, with the

transporttalk.co.nz

Looks good for industry in Taranaki, especially when it comes to new acquisitions, support and maintenance etc, thus having onshore support and non reliance on overseas services.

 

[Nighthawk.NZ]

But that doesnt seem to be the role.mentioned for these

you are correct, these ones are more short range battlefield surveillance.

 

[recce.k1]

The enduser can choose what payload the drones can carry.

The SA7, for its part, is a multipurpose drone for both airborne logistics and one-way attacks

New Zealand Defence Force selects Syos Aerospace to accelerate multi-domain drone operations

New Zealand selects SM300 USV SA2 SA7 drones and SG400 UGV to expand maritime ISR logistics and experimental strike capability in 2026.

www.armyrecognition.com

As for the likes of Seaguardian or similar, for long range maritime ISR, that's a separate project likely to be operated by the air force as part of a broader, in-service, capability to complement existing long range assets such as the P-8. Presume NZDF are looking at the RAAF's experience operating the MQ-4C to better inform the decision making process, so we'll have to wait and see.

Personally though, whilst such assets would undoubtably be beneficial for long endurance surveillance tasks, their survivability if contested could be called into question, therefore wonder if the better strategy would be to operate a small number of them but also seek additional manned craft such as P-8 which can to a reasonable extent defend itself (as well as better contribute to surface and sub-surface warfare). Mind you the recent P-8 acquisition notifications (eg for Singapore and others) seem to suggest the cost of the Poseidon has doubled ... well unless the cost includes extremely extensive support and training packages!

This announcement (Syos) is for further experimental drones for Army and Navy to further expand doctrine.

 

[Paulie2]

The reason HMNZS Te Kaha was in Akaroa

 

[spoz]

Somebody should point out to them that 25 Km equates to about 82,000 feet. The lowest generally accepted definition of where space starts is 100,000 feet. It’s a high altitude aircraft, not a “spaceplane”

 

[downunderblue]

I just posted in the ADF general thread re today's ANZMIN summit and the release of the ANZAC 2035 joint statement. Lots of words and I used AI to break them down in the thread.

Re NZ and the joint presconference, Julie Collins and Sir Winston were both asked about the ANZAC replacement and whether they would commit to buying a Mogami from the AU production line. They skipped that question but Julie Collins confirmed they hadn't yet made a decision yet it was between the Mogami and a UK design (Type 31).

FWIW.

 

[swerve]

That's interesting. I was thinking that AH140 (not necessarily in the RN Type 31 configuration) could be of interest to the RNZN, & Mogami would obviously be something they'd look at, for interoperability, but I didn't expect it to be narrowed down to those two yet.

 

[kiwipatriot69]

Somebody should point out to them that 25 Km equates to about 82,000 feet. The lowest generally accepted definition of where space starts is 100,000 feet. It’s a high altitude aircraft, not a “spaceplane”

All the same its good to know our frigates are capable of tracking targets at that height and speed.

 

[downunderblue]

That's interesting. I was thinking that AH140 (not necessarily in the RN Type 31 configuration) could be of interest to the RNZN, & Mogami would obviously be something they'd look at, for interoperability, but I didn't expect it to be narrowed down to those two yet.

She didnt say but it was my assumption alone that it was T31.

 

[RetirementIsGood]

I'm beginning to suspect that the RNZN is going to get Mogamis whether or not the RNZN or Treasury think they're the best answer. Probably only two, though

 

[Warhawk]

I like to see RNZ navy run with Type 31 modular frigate probably get 3 to 4 for the price of 2 Mogamis frigates and. do away with OPV vessels. You could have 2 armed Type 31 and 2 less equipment Type 31 but have shared modulars to fully equipped the third frigate that shares with fourth frigate .

 

[Paulie2]

Below is a copy of an article published in Business Desk during a visit by British Minister of State Chris Bryant in December, it shows the pressure the UK are mounting on behalf of Babcock and type 31.

British Minister of State Chris Bryant

recently commented on the potential for a "package deal" involving the sale of British Type 31 "Arrowhead" frigates to New Zealand and the development of a large dry dock in Northland.

Key Comments from Chris Bryant (December 2025)

• Viability of Dry Dock: Bryant questioned whether the proposed
  Northland dry dock
  project in New Zealand would be commercially viable without the inclusion of British frigates as part of the procurement package.
• Arrowhead Frigate Pitch: He stated that the UK "stands ready with the Arrowhead" as a replacement for New Zealand’s aging ANZAC-class frigates, suggesting that combining the two projects could lead to "additional savings".
• Strategic Collaboration: The minister emphasised that the dry dock's success might depend on the "package of new ships," urging decision-makers to consider how the two projects "add up" together.
  BusinessDesk | NZ +3

R

 

[Challenger]

I really hope Judith was referring to the Type26.. dreams are free right ?

 

[John Fedup]

I really hope Judith was referring to the Type26.. dreams are free right ?

You never know, both NZ and Canada have governments that would consider a tax on dreams

 

[kiwi in exile]

TVNZ Q & a Jack Tame has a 30 m in interview w/ one Retired Maj-Gen John Howard re NZs strategic situation.

Impressive CV. He's a good speaker on the need for a broader strategic plan/public discussion. I have said this before but we need to have a discussion/plan for NZs broader strategic security (broader than just defence). Its good to see an intelligent, well spoken NZer who has been there and done that engaging in this.

There is also a NZ Initiative podcast with him called 'Hope is not a strategy" which i havn't listened too yet.