Policy & Ethicsuncrewed aerial systemsmaritime surveillancespace based surveillanceaukus
New Zealand Expands Surveillance, Aligns With AUKUS
6.2
Relevance Score
New Zealand is advancing long-range surveillance and space capabilities while formally only assessing joining AUKUS Pillar II, according to the Defence Capability Plan 2025 and a Persistent Surveillance tender. The plan budgets NZ$100–300 million for uncrewed long-range aircraft and NZ$300–600 million for space assets as part of a broader NZ$14 billion defence overhaul. Analysts warn this effectively aligns New Zealand with AUKUS priorities and risks long-term dependency.
