NZ military quietly starts drone-buying quest

Procurement process earmarks millions for unmanned aerial vehicles that have proved deadly effective in Ukraine war

NZDF constantly reviews and explores the potential benefits of a range of emerging technologies, such as loitering munitions [armed drones]. Defence Force spokeswoman

The Ministry of Defence has quietly launched a project to acquire tens of millions of dollars worth of drones for potential use in combat by New Zealand armed forces.

Military procurement documents viewed by the Weekend Herald reveal the ministry wants to buy dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles for the Army.

They include large fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraft able to fly far away from soldiers to help artillery teams target distant enemy positions.

The drones are being sought as part of an effort to improve and modernise the Army’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

There is no indication in the documents that the military intends to buy killer drones able to fire on targets as part of the project.

Also sought are tiny and stealthy nano drones, like large flying insects, used for surveillance by recon soldiers or snipers.

The Defence Force has already operated drones in limited numbers, but this represents a significant expansion of its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet.

The ministry has gone to industry seeking suppliers, launching a formal Request for Proposal process.

That procurement process is part of tranche two of the Network Enabled Army programme, aiming to modernise New Zealand’s land forces.

Tranche two has a budget of more than $100 million, the documents show, with at least $20m earmarked for drones.

Of the dozens of drones sought, initial indicative quantities in the overview document show Defence wants between two and four independent unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sets, each with multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), likely large fixed-wing models.

Another unclassified document shows a diagram of these large drones, equipped with laser target designators and range finders, working with artillery units to direct fire.

Multiple drones were required so the enemy could be watched for hours at a time, the document said.

“A single UAS team may be tasked for up to 12 hours conducting area surveillance — and thus requires a proposed UAS system of multiple UAV, and sufficient batteries, to sustain this period.”

These drone teams could operate in war zones to watch and help target “enemy high-value targets, headquarters, logistic nodes, installations,” but they might also operate during

humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, the document said.

The project is also looking to acquire between 30 and 40 nano drones, plus 18 to 30 micro remotely piloted aircraft systems, the documents reveal.

One of the better known tiny military drones, the Black Hornet Nano, resembles a large dragonfly and has a single main rotor and a tail rotor like a helicopter.

It is billed by its manufacturer as nearly silent and beams live footage back to the operator.

It is able to fly and hover for up to 25 minutes.

A single unit reportedly costs US$195,000 ($312,700).

Micro drones are somewhat larger, but still able to be easily carried by a single soldier.

Information provided to suppliers by the ministry said the micro and nano drones would be used by sniper pairs and teams, and reconnaissance troops.

“Sections or squads will use nano

RPAS [remotely piloted aircraft systems] vehicles and anti-aircraft systems. during patrols to locate the enemy Both sides have reportedly and during effective enemy fire,” deployed so-called “loitering a document said. munitions”, Kamikaze drones

“Sections and squads may use the carrying explosives that can loiter in nano RPAS to provide flank security the air, then dive-bomb targets. to another platoon, troop, company Nothing in the procurement documents or squadron.” viewed by the Weekend Herald

Those troops would use micro indicated the Ministry of Defence was drones where they needed higherquality seeking armed drones able to fire on footage or a longer flight targets. range, such as checking out the security The ministry did not respond to of a patrol route, the same document questions on whether it was looking said. to acquire armed drones.

Along with the drones, tranche A Defence Force (NZDF) spokeswoman two is also seeking dozens of “remote said it had no immediate ground sensors” to provide wireless plans to procure loitering munitions. surveillance beyond the line of sight, “However, NZDF constantly such as around a camp perimeter. reviews and explores the potential

The Request for Proposals tender benefits of a range of emerging technologies, closes on July 26. such as loitering munitions.

Military drones have played a “This could include limited experimentation prominent role in the war in Ukraine, by NZDF force elements filming strikes on Russian positions. with these technologies in order to

Armed models including the make informed decisions about future Turkish Bayraktar TB2 have been or replacement military capability.” deployed to destroy armoured