New Zealand Defence Force

New Capabilities

Finished a four-week Bluebottle patrol of Fiji's waters in October 2026 and shipped the vessels home to New Zealand

Australia will give Fiji Bluebottle surveillance boats as permanent Fijian assets, with the first expected in early 2027. The 7.5-metre craft run on solar, wind and wave power, can stay at sea for up to six months, and carry radar, sonar and cameras.

Updated Oct 25

Rule Changes

As of July 2026: Party to the mutual logistics arrangement

No Indian prime minister had set foot in New Zealand for 40 years. On July 11, 2026, Narendra Modi ended that gap in Auckland by signing a package that lets Indian and New Zealand warships refuel and repair at each other's bases.

Updated Jul 11

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Supporting emergency response operations

Nine people died during storms that struck New Zealand's North Island from January 16–22, 2026. Three separate incidents account for the deaths: a campground landslide, a home collapse, and a river drowning.

Updated May 22