New Zealand now has a military squadron focused on space.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force reactivated No. 62 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland.

The squadron was first formed during World War II.

Back then, it helped the Allies using radar.

Now, it will track space activity to protect New Zealand’s interests.

Defence Minister Judith Collins said the move shows space security is a growing priority.

“We rely on space for weather, GPS, and even banking,” she said. “This shows we’re taking that seriously.”

The squadron’s new job is space domain awareness.

That means watching, analysing, and understanding what’s happening in orbit.

The change is part of a $12 billion upgrade across the Defence Force.

It aims to keep New Zealand’s military flexible and ready.

Minister Collins was joined at the ceremony by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies and Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb.

It might seem distant, but space tech powers daily life on the Hibiscus Coast.

It’s behind the GPS on your phone, the weather updates you check each morning, and the EFTPOS at your local café.

It supports banking, emergency services like Coastguard, and even rural internet.

By bringing No. 62 Squadron back, New Zealand is helping protect the systems we rely on every day.

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