Improving supply chain resilience – strategic industrial base statement released

As outlined in the New Zealand Defence Industry Strategy, Defence has committed to creating three Strategic Industrial Base Statements for areas where New Zealand needs higher levels of sovereign industry capability in supporting the New Zealand Defence Force.

The first of these statements, released today, focuses on uncrewed systems and uncrewed counter systems, an area where investment and cooperation between Defence and industry will support national and supply chain resilience, including by growing export opportunities.

The Statement outlines an approach that gives preference to systems where key development, production, and sustainment activities can be delivered in New Zealand. The aim is to have cutting-edge drone technology developed and supported by local businesses.

"A nation's ability, either alone or with partners, to equip its Defence Force and stay in the fight is almost wholly dependent on its industrial base. We must build resilience in our supply chains, including by doing more at home and by growing our exports," Ms Collins said.

The 2025 Defence Capability Plan signalled indicative investments of between $200 and $450 million for uncrewed systems and uncrewed counter systems over four years.

Defence Minister Judith Collins KC today released details on how Defence will work with industry to improve New Zealand's supply chain resilience and sovereign capability in the area of uncrewed systems and uncrewed counter systems.

As outlined in the New Zealand Defence Industry Strategy, Defence has committed to creating three Strategic Industrial Base Statements for areas where New Zealand needs higher levels of sovereign industry capability in supporting the New Zealand Defence Force.

The first of these statements, released today, focuses on uncrewed systems and uncrewed counter systems, an area where investment and cooperation between Defence and industry will support national and supply chain resilience, including by growing export opportunities.

The Statement outlines an approach that gives preference to systems where key development, production, and sustainment activities can be delivered in New Zealand. The aim is to have cutting-edge drone technology developed and supported by local businesses.

"A nation's ability, either alone or with partners, to equip its Defence Force and stay in the fight is almost wholly dependent on its industrial base. We must build resilience in our supply chains, including by doing more at home and by growing our exports," Ms Collins said.

The 2025 Defence Capability Plan signalled indicative investments of between $200 and $450 million for uncrewed systems and uncrewed counter systems over four years.