Drones, Defence and Keeping Up With Technology
Our Defence Force is investing and ramping up its use of drone technology. If there’s one lesson the world is learning from modern conflicts, it’s that technology is changing the rules of engagement faster than ever before.
The New Zealand Defence Force is seeking to take a lead from Ukraine’s efforts to fight back against the Russian invasion, saying the war shows how “smaller nations can effectively challenge larger adversaries by rapidly adopting and adapting new technologies”.
New Zealand’s Defence Force has made it clear that drone technology and the ability to counter it, is becoming a strategic priority. The military will prioritise supply chain resilience and investing in domestic capability.
For Kiwi businesses, this creates a significant opportunity. Defence is actively seeking New Zealand companies that can contribute to areas such as sensors, payloads, command-and-control systems, software, training platforms, and counter-drone technologies.
What’s particularly interesting is the emphasis on supply chain resilience. Rather than relying solely on overseas suppliers, Defence wants systems that can be adapted, repaired, upgraded, and sustained locally. In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, that’s a smart move.
From a security perspective, locally supported technology reduces dependency on international supply chains, shortens response times, and improves operational resilience when disruption occurs.
It’s about rapid adoption of modern technology and having production that can supply within the region to de-risk the supply chain. Because of the global instability, countries must have relevant, proven tools and technologies which can act as deterrents from adversaries.
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