Today the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Defence Minister Judith Collins launched the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, a multi-billion dollar plan for a modern, combat-capable New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
Under the plan defence spending will lift to more than 2% of GDP in the next eight years.
"This new Defence Capability Plan contains $12 billion of funding over the next four years, which includes $9 billion of new spending," Prme Minister Christopher Luxon says.
The 2025 Defence Capability Plan outlines indicative investments to ensure the NZDF is:
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Combat capable with enhanced lethality and deterrent effect: This includes increased strike capabilities which will increase our ability to deter actions counter to New Zealand’s interests.
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A force multiplier with Australia and interoperable with partners: New Zealand and Australia have committed to modernise our alliance and further strengthen our bilateral defence relationship, including the development of a more greatly integrated “Anzac” force.
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Innovative and has improved situational awareness: Innovation in this plan covers new ways of doing things, as well as exploring new technologies for the NZDF, such as uncrewed vehicles, new space technologies and increased funding for Defence Science & Technology.
Defence Minister Judith Collins says the world is inherently more dangerous and NZDF personnel are at the frontline of New Zealand’s security.
“They cannot do their jobs without the right equipment and conditions. This plan outlines what resources, equipment and support we need to modernise the NZDF to operate now and in the future,” Ms Collins says.
Work now begins on implementation of the Plan, including engaging with industry and an updated approach to procurement.
The plan will be reviewed every two years, beginning in 2027.
