Chief of Australian Army Lieutenant General Simon Stuart said the agreement would increase cooperation between the two armies.

“Plan Anzac builds on our significant history of partnership by strengthening our Army-to-Army relationships, enhancing interoperability, capacity, ability to jointly support combat operations as well as joint capabilities to meet today’s challenges,” LTGEN Stuart said.

“This partnership will see both armies better prepared to work together to support security and stability missions, and humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.”

Chief of New Zealand Army Major General John Boswell said Plan Anzac was a step forward for the trans-Tasman strategic partnership.

“Our armies have a deep history of operational service, organisational cooperation, regional partnerships, and mateship. For more than a century, we have served our nations, supported global peace and upheld regional stability — together. We will continue to do just that,” MAJGEN Boswell said.

“Plan Anzac will reflect a broader defence relationship, one that is open, based on mutual respect and is enduring.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.