PostSource: New Zealand GovernmentThe Government is beginning the process to purchase long-range one-way strike drones, looking particularly toward Kiwi industry for solutions, Defence Minister Chris Penk says. As the international security environment becomes increasingly unpredictable, we must ensure the New Zealand Defence Force can operate effectively, including alongside our partners, to deter potential threats and protect New Zealand’s security. “New Zealand’s industry has expertise across advanced manufacturing, including digital technologies and emerging capabilities such as uncrewed systems. “There is a growing number of businesses supporting Defence operations, including with firms developing drone and simulation technologies, and this is an opportunity to further locally led innovation.” Defence also plans to begin market research this week on unarmed long-range uncrewed aircraft systems that can conduct maritime surveillance tasks.