Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Minister of Defence, tells Breaking Defense that no matter what happens with AUKUS, her government is "looking at as much interoperability" as possible with Australia.
Chris Luxon, the leader of the National Party and New Zealand’s likely next prime minister, has sounded more open to joining the AUKUS Pillar 2 technology initiative than the Labour party was.
It’s about improving existing platforms with autonomy, and applying AI, edge computing, quantum encryption, and sensor fusion.
"These documents represent a clear statement of intent by the New Zealand Government to step up its foreign policy and military efforts in the Pacific," one analyst told Breaking Defense.
Wellington’s overtures to the Pacific Island nations are starting to see results as its new approach to the region sees relations improve allowing for more in-depth defence engagement.
Among the political elite in Wellington, there is disagreement about the value of New Zealand joining this element of the partnership — disagreement that could end any realistic chances of New Zealand becoming the fourth member of AUKUS.
Political realities may push defense reform to the backburner, as another delay is revealed.
The solution starts with an outstanding portfolio of Challenger and Global aircraft, recognized as the world’s top-performing business jets.
Peter Beck, the firm's CEO, has big plans to follow the first launch from his new US facility.
The end goal of NEA is to create the NZ Army’s future network environment, known as the Land Tactical Information Network.
New Zealand is considering a less defensive posture in the region, but whether it can afford to meet its goals remains a question.
Now in its fifth iteration, the MAPLE 5 architecture has moved away from the individual command and control of single platforms towards operating multiple platforms and the development of operational concepts at force level.
With potential adversaries no longer predictable, training must move beyond just live exercises and flight simulators.
Despite small budgets, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are working to strengthen their ground forces to protect their borders with Russia.
Italy's budget has been in flux for years, with Army modernization being delayed. A trio of vehicles may be ready to turn that tide.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Spain could ultimately involve buying in excess of 3,200 new heavy armored platforms, with a price tag of over $11.5 billion over the next 15 years.
The agreement includes an order from Latvia for the delivery of 200 APC variant vehicles and another 160 for Finland.