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The New Zealand Ministry of Defence has announced a request for industry information on long-range uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) capable of operating up to 1,400 nautical miles from base for at least six hours.
The information gathered will provide Defence with indicative costs and time frames for the potential delivery of a system to conduct maritime surveillance activities across the South-West Pacific. The UAS will not be armed.
“This request for information is a market research tool that aims to inform the next stage of the Persistent Surveillance Air project. It does not initiate a procurement process nor a commitment to acquire new systems. No decisions have been made,” said Sarah Minson, Deputy Secretary, Capability Delivery.
“We are looking for solutions that have high-definition imaging systems and a maritime search radar, with the ability to provide near real-time imagery back to the ground control station in all weather conditions and during the day or night. We are currently planning a commercially owned and commercially operated delivery model.
“Defence encourages New Zealand businesses to provide a response to this request for information, describing how they could meet the needs of the New Zealand Defence Force.”
The notice has been published on the Government Electronic Tender Service.
In addition, earlier this week the Ukrainian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, expressed his support for Australia and Ukraine to explore partnerships on drone and autonomous technologies development.
“Ukraine has become the world’s leading laboratory for modern warfare. Every day we develop, test and adapt new-generation unmanned systems under real battlefield conditions. This experience is invaluable and we are ready to share it with trusted partners,” he said.
“Working together to manufacture drones and other autonomous systems in Australia would not only strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities – it would also help Australia develop sovereign industrial capabilities in one of the most important technologies of the future.
“This is no longer a niche capability. Every country must understand how unmanned systems are developed, deployed, countered and integrated into modern defence. The lessons Ukraine has learned come at an enormous cost, and we believe they can help our partners prepare for the security challenges of tomorrow.
“This partnership is about much more than technology. It is about building resilience, strengthening our defence industries, and ensuring that democracies are better equipped to deter aggression.
“I am confident we can make it happen and I know there is strong interest on both sides to turn this vision into reality.”
Robert Dougherty
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