New Zealand unveils defence boost for fleet and drones

WELLINGTON, May 23 (Reuters) - New ‌Zealand's government ​has ​allocated NZ$1.58 billion ($924.62 million) in new defence funding in its 2026 budget, with a strong focus on ‌maritime security, including drone systems and fleet renewal, ⁠Defence Minister Chris Penk said on Saturday.

New Zealand's primary maritime combat ‌capability is delivered through two ‌Anzac-class frigates, HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, commissioned in 1997 and 1999, respectively, with most ships ​in the fleet expected to reach the end of their design life by the mid-2030s. The government ⁠in 2025 pledged to double defence spending to nearly 2% within eight years ​as it works to improve the country's defence capability.

• The budget provides NZ$880 million in additional ​operating funding and NZ$700 million in ‌new capital funding for defence activities and priority projects under the Defence Capability Plan.

• The ⁠Maritime Fleet Renewal programme will receive funding to deliver two types of drones: one for long-duration intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance ⁠in the South-West Pacific, and one polar-capable drone for missions from Royal ​New Zealand Navy vessels in the Southern Ocean.

• Budget funding will also cover critical maintenance on the Anzac-class frigates and HMNZS Canterbury ‌to extend the life of ships until they are replaced.

• Penk said total new investment ‌in defence has reached NZ$5.8 billion since the Defence ⁠Capability Plan was released ‌just over a year ​ago.

• New Zealand's budget will be released on May 28.

($1 = 1.7088 New Zealand dollars)

(Editing by Rod ‌Nickel)

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