New Zealand to invest in drones, fleet to shield maritime routes

WELLINGTON - New Zealand intends to spend about NZ$1.6 billion (S$1.2 billion) on drones, ship maintenance and naval upgrades to bolster the island nation’s maritime security at a time of increasing concern about supply routes.

Defence Minister Chris Penk said on May 23 that the government will invest in two types of drones: One for the south-west Pacific to provide long-duration intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the other, a polar-capable vehicle that can operate from naval vessels in the Southern Ocean.

“New Zealand’s prosperity and security depend on the sea,” he said in a statement.

“Recent events have served as a reminder of how quickly disruptions to international shipping routes can affect economies and supply chains across the globe. The oceans are not a barrier to danger, but a vital national interest that must be actively secured.”

New Zealand will hand down its annual Budget next week.

The government plans to lift defence spending to about 2 per cent of gross domestic product from around 1 per cent at present in response to rising geopolitical tensions.

Mr Penk, who served in both the New Zealand and Australian navies, told Bloomberg earlier in May that the government is open to expanding its frigate fleet from the current two vessels.

He said on May 23 that the Budget would provide for maintenance on the navy’s Anzac-class frigates and the HMNZS Canterbury, to extend the life of the existing ships until they are replaced.

The South Pacific is becoming increasingly contested as China’s military power swells to reflect its massive economic might, while the US and its allies aim to counter Beijing’s moves. In February 2025, Chinese warships conducted live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand with little warning. REUTERS