New Zealand is stepping up its move toward increased use of drones to support its defense forces, and has requested information to help develop an offshore surveillance project. The Ministry of Defence is considering how it can deliver Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance activities using long-range, remotely piloted aircraft. The ministry is looking for a commercial operator to run the surveillance project and last week lodged a formal Request for Information seeking feedback from manufacturers of uncrewed aerial systems such as drones. New Zealand last year unveiled a new Defence Capability Plan aimed at increasing overall defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product over the next eight years. Last week, Defence Minister Chris Penk said the government had begun the process to purchase long-range one-way strike drones.