New Zealand seeks one-way strike drones

New Zealand is looking to buy “one-way strike drones” as it modernises its military, Defence Minister Chris Penk said Wednesday.

Penk said Wellington wanted human-operated strike drones fitted with explosive payloads as a cheaper alternative to conventional missiles. He said New Zealand would soon go to market to find suppliers, with particular interest in working with local businesses.

New Zealand is also looking to buy long-range unarmed drones for maritime surveillance.

Wellington unveiled plans in 2025 to retool its military for modern warfare, including investments in submarine-hunting helicopters and unmanned drones. It described the security environment that year as the “most challenging and dangerous” in decades.

New Zealand is not a treaty ally of the United States, but the two countries have a close strategic partnership.