New Zealand is set to double its defence spending over the next eight years, with a $12 billion investment announced this week to modernise and strengthen the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

• $9 billion in new funding included
• Plan covers 2025–2028, with 15-year outlook
• Focus on combat capability, tech innovation, and personnel support

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says rising global tensions have pushed New Zealand to step up its role internationally—and that the country’s current defence investment has fallen behind.

“This blueprint has been designed with a 15-year horizon but deliberately focuses on critical investments needed in the next four years,” Luxon said.

“This is the floor, not the ceiling, of funding for our Defence Force.”

The Defence Capability Plan will raise NZ’s defence spend from just over 1% of GDP to over 2% by 2032.

It includes enhancements to strike capabilities, maritime surveillance, and cyber security, as well as upgrades to housing, digital infrastructure, and intelligence services.

Defence Minister Judith Collins acknowledged the sacrifices made by NZDF personnel, including extended domestic deployments during Covid, which led to the loss of many mid-career staff.

“This plan allows us to rebuild that hollowed-out middle,” she said.

“It gets our NZDF out of the intensive care unit and growing where we need it to.”

Key features of the plan include:

• New long-range remotely piloted aircraft
• Replacement of the ageing Boeing 757 fleet
• Uncrewed surveillance vessels and upgraded anti-tank systems
• Frigate and maritime helicopter upgrades
• Modernised accommodation and base infrastructure
• Tech and logistics upgrades to improve resilience

The Government will review the Defence Capability Plan every two years to ensure it remains responsive to global and regional developments.

With renewed investment and long-term opportunities ahead, now could be a great time for Coasties to consider a future career in the New Zealand Defence Force.

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