New Zealand is investing heavily in its fleet and UAVs.

The New Zealand government announced on May 23rd a defense capability enhancement package worth NZ$1.58 billion (approximately US$925 million) in the 2026 budget, focusing on maritime security, fleet modernization, and drone system development.

Defence Minister Chris Penk announced a defense capability enhancement package worth NZ$1.58 billion (approximately US$925 million) in the 2026 budget. Photo: Reuters.

According to Defence Minister Chris Penk, the new budget includes NZ$880 million for operational spending and NZ$700 million for defence investment and priority projects under the country's Defence Capabilities Plan.

One of the main focuses is the naval fleet modernization program, in which New Zealand will deploy two new types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). One type will serve intelligence gathering, surveillance, and long-range reconnaissance missions in the Southwest Pacific; the other will be capable of operating in polar conditions to support the Royal New Zealand Navy's missions in the Southern Ocean.

The budget also allocates funds for the maintenance and upgrading of key warships, including two Anzac-class destroyers, HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana, and the multi-purpose transport ship HMNZS Canterbury, in order to extend their operational lifespan before being replaced in the future.

The two Anzac-class destroyers were commissioned in 1997 and 1999, respectively, while the majority of New Zealand's current fleet is expected to reach the end of its design lifecycle in the mid-2030s.

New Zealand is investing heavily in its naval fleet. Photo: AP.

In 2025, the New Zealand government committed to increasing defense spending to nearly 2% of GDP within eight years to strengthen its defense capabilities and adapt to an increasingly complex regional security environment. According to Mr. Penk, total new defense investment since the announcement of the Defence Capabilities Plan has reached NZ$5.8 billion.

New Zealand's 2026 budget is expected to be officially announced on May 28th.

Thu Uyen

Source: Reuters.

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/new-zealand-dau-tu-manh-cho-ham-doi-va-uav-288622.htm