NZ revamps artillery with new sensors and digital backbones
The NZ Army will receive four examples of the AN/TPQ-49a weapon locating radar from SRC next year. (SRC)
New Zealand has never owned weapon locating radars before, but its first examples are due in country in 2022.
The Royal New Zealand Artillery branch is set to receive new equipment over the next two years as it modernises its somewhat limited capabilities.
The pinnacle of the 16th Field Regiment in the artillery branch is L119 105mm Light Guns, but they will be joined by weapon locating radars, 81mm mortars and new digital systems.
First off the rank this year is M8 81mm mortars from Hirtenberger Defense Systems. They have already been received and should be issued in the second half of the year.
These Austrian-made mortars will replace old L16A2 mortars that entered service in 1980 and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show]()
Early prototype of General Dynamics M1E3 main battle tank displayed at Detroit auto show
The first prototype M1E3 main battle tank was handed over to the US Army for testing and evaluation earlier this year, and now a pre-prototype has been unveiled. What have we learned from the vehicle first seen on 14 January?
-
![Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh]()
Bulgaria to receive first Strykers in February as part of force equipment refresh
The delivery of the Stryker infantry fighting vehicles will form one piece of the country’s effort to re-equip its forces, which includes F-16 fighter jets and new air defence systems.
-
![Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx fighting vehicles set for first taste of combat in Ukraine]()
Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx fighting vehicles set for first taste of combat in Ukraine
A June 2024 agreement with Ukraine for Rheinmetall to provide 10 KF41s along with the establishment of a manufacturing facility in the country has moved a step closer, with the factory now built and a contract signed.
-
![Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows]()
Germany increases Arrow missile defence deal to $6.1 billion as American interest grows
Germany’s move to buy Israel Aerospace Industries’ Arrow missile defence system became public in mid-2023 with approval from the US government shortly after. The first operational system is expected to be in service before 2030.
-
![Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned]()
Sweden’s recent air defence spend tips to $6 billion with 2026 procurement planned
Procurement of various short-range systems will begin in the first quarter of 2026, with additional procurements to be made later in the year.
