Development of Advanced Military Technologies: New Zealand is Investing Millions of Dollars in its Defense Industry

New Zealand is investing millions of dollars in the development of advanced military technologies to support its defense industry.

This was announced on Friday, October 3rd, by the country’s government, Reuters reports.

The country will also change the rules for defense procurement and introduce a new military technology fund to support the local defense industry, as government defense spending is set to increase.

In early 2025, the New Zealand government announced that it would increase defense spending by NZD 9 billion (USD 5 billion) over the following four years.

In addition, government officials aim to nearly double defense spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) over the next eight years.

“With the world around us changing at such a rapid pace, we need to change our approach to equipping our Defense Forces, and we need to work in partnership with industry to be better together,” said Defence Minister Judith Collins.

The Defence Industry Strategy includes new public procurement rules that require international suppliers of defense equipment to develop and submit plans to ensure the use of local industry. This is necessary to create and maintain defense capabilities within New Zealand.

The Defense Forces will explore opportunities to involve local, including small businesses, in the supply of equipment and systems, while subcontracting with the original equipment manufacturer.

The government will introduce a new fund of NZD 100 to 300 million (USD 58.15 to 174.45 million) to develop advanced military technologies.

Reuters noted that New Zealand’s defense industry included at least 800 suppliers, but most of its significant purchases were made from international companies.

Recently, Militarnyi reported that the New Zealand’s military was mastering FPV drones and 3D printing to manufacture drone parts.

In early May, New Zealand signed a military pact with the Philippines that allows their armed forces to operate jointly.