Defence Force To Modernise With Strike DronesThe 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. “This Government is fixing the basics by addressing historical Defence underinvestment, and that includes modernising our capability.” 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. Defence also plans to begin market research this week on unarmed long-range uncrewed aircraft systems that can conduct maritime surveillance tasks.