The New Zealand Army’s requirement for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) was of interest to several exhibitors at Land Forces 2022. Through Tranche Two of the Network Enabled Army (NEA) program, the New Zealand Army is seeking to acquire a mature UAS capability across a variety of size classes.

Currently, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has a modest portfolio of UAS systems, which are mainly used for training and experimentation. The 16th Field Regiment is home to most of these systems including a single military off-the-shelf (MOTS) RQ-20 Puma. Defence Public Affairs (DPA) and the Royal New Zealand Air Force also operate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems. Only the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS), operating FLIR Black Hornet Nanos, possesses a deployable, operationally certified UAS capability.

The requirements for NEA Tranche Two demand proven, MOTS solutions that are interoperable with New Zealand’s Five Eyes partners. The aircraft will integrate into the New Zealand Army’s new battle management system (BMS) Sitaware, to which they’ll be expected to provide targeting and location information. The larger unmanned aircraft are also required to have the capability to mount a laser-designator, allowing the aircraft to lase targets in support of allied precision strike operations.

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Four distinct categories of equipment are being procured through the program which will massively expand and overhaul the New Zealand Army’s UAS fleet. According to a Request for Proposal (RFP) released in May this year the program will also support other NZDF service acquisition programs. The RFP itself covers the procurement of four distinct subsystems:

Two-Four “sets” of Fixed Wing or Hybrid UAS; 30-40 Nano UAS; 18-30 Micro UAS, and 30-40 Remote Ground Sensors.

ADM understands that several companies have engaged with the NZDF around the program including local subsidiaries Insitu Pacific and Textron Systems Australia, as well as American firm Shield-AI. Shield-AI, ADM understands, sent one of its V-BAT aircraft across the Tasman this month to conduct demonstrations for the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (NZMOD) after exhibiting the aircraft at Land Forces 2022. Textron Systems Australia and Insitu Pacific are also understood to be interested in the program, with both proposing solutions built on their Land 129 offerings for the Australian Army.

Textron Systems Australia’s offering consists of its Aerosonde/Aerosonde HQ conventional or hybrid UAS platform, while Insitu Pacific is proposing its RQ-21 Integrator which was selected by the Australian Army earlier this year. In response to queries from ADM, Aerovironment, who manufacture the RQ-20 said they were unable to comment on specific programs, though ADM understands the company is at the very least interested in the project.