New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
New Zealand received its final P-8A Poseidon aircraft in 2023. (Photo: US Navy / Wikimedia Commons)
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
New Zealand has released its Defence Capability Plan 2025, where it outlined its commitment to spending NZ$12 billion (US$6.68 billion) over the next four years to improve its defence capabilities.
Of that figure, NZ$9 billion is new money that will be a boost to its baseline defence funding over that same period – almost doubling its defence budget to 2% of GDP.
The plan to rebuild the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) initially covers major investments between 2025-28, across air, land and sea capabilities.
Speaking to reporters after the release of the plan, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that New
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
-
![Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome]()
Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome
The new multi-layered defence system will harness AI to neutralise airborne threats and protect Europe from Russian aggression.
