Network Enabled Army Programme - an overview

The Network Enabled Army (NEA) Programme is moving the New Zealand Army’s communications, planning and intelligence functions to modern, fast, and secure digital-based technologies and systems.

In an increasingly volatile world facing rapid technological change, the NEA Programme is focused on providing front-line soldiers and commanders with hi-tech warfighting capabilities, which will enhance their combat capability and protect them on the contemporary battlefield.

The Network Enabled Army (NEA) Programme is moving the New Zealand Army’s communications, planning and intelligence functions to modern, fast, and secure digital-based technologies and systems.

In an increasingly volatile world facing rapid technological change, the NEA Programme is focused on providing front-line soldiers and commanders with hi-tech warfighting capabilities, which will enhance their combat capability and protect them on the contemporary battlefield.

The equipment, training and supporting infrastructure being delivered by the NEA Programme enables deployed personnel to make faster, more accurate decisions through the use of real-time information, and secure voice and data communications. For example, new digital technologies are replacing planning charts and 3D terrain models.

The equipment procured by the NEA programme provides deployed personnel with greater awareness of where both friendly and hostile forces are situated. It ensures NZ Army personnel can communicate effectively with Navy and Air Force personnel, as well as other government agencies and international partners - whether they are in New Zealand, the Pacific, or further afield.

The NEA programme is being rolled out in phases, so new capabilities can be gradually introduced, expanded or updated over time.

This multi-phase approach ensures there are regular opportunities to trial new equipment, train soldiers and evaluate progress.

Some of the equipment used by personnel is more than 20 years old and requires replacement or upgrading.

Small UAV day
Small UAV day

The equipment, training and supporting infrastructure being delivered by the NEA Programme enables deployed personnel to make faster, more accurate decisions through the use of real-time information, and secure voice and data communications. For example, new digital technologies are replacing planning charts and 3D terrain models.

The equipment procured by the NEA programme provides deployed personnel with greater awareness of where both friendly and hostile forces are situated. It ensures NZ Army personnel can communicate effectively with Navy and Air Force personnel, as well as other government agencies and international partners - whether they are in New Zealand, the Pacific, or further afield.

The NEA programme is being rolled out in phases, so new capabilities can be gradually introduced, expanded or updated over time.

This multi-phase approach ensures there are regular opportunities to trial new equipment, train soldiers and evaluate progress.

Some of the equipment used by personnel is more than 20 years old and requires replacement or upgrading.

Government approvals

Government approvals

Since 2015, the Government has approved four major investments in the Network Enabled Army Programme.
Tranche One - Command, Control, Communications and Computers Project: In March 2015, Cabinet approved the programme’s first tranche, known as the NEA Command, Control, Communications a nd Computers (C4) Project. It received $106 million in capital funding and $36.4 million in operating funding over four years.
This project is delivering a range of capabilities for a Light Infantry Company, including digital-based radios, handheld devices, ground-based satellite technologies and information management systems. It has also delivered a deployable unit headquarters, including computers, generators, servers and tents for headquarters.
Tranche One constructed the Capability Integration Centre at Linton Military Camp, which is used to upgrade systems and train soldiers, and the Test Reference and Evaluation Centre at Trentham Military Camp, which tests equipment and software upgrades.
Tranche Two – Reconnaissance and Surveillance Project: In July 2019, Cabinet approved the programme’s second tranche, known as the NEA Reconnaissance and Surveillance (R&S) Project. It received $106.48 million in capital funding and $29.05 million in operating funding over four years.
This project is delivering a range of surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to the New Zealand Army, including a suite of uncrewed aerial systems and remote ground sensor systems.
Tranche Two is also delivering additional C4 capabilities to a larger number of soldiers, including new communications and networking capabilities, sensor systems, intelligence gathering and processing capabilities.
Bushmaster Communications: In August 2023, Cabinet approved $58 million in funding for a new NEA Project, which will design, build and install new communications and digital systems in the Bushmaster NZ5.5 protected vehicle fleet.
Tranche Three, Investment One: In September 2025, the Government approved a project worth $104 million to procure additional digital radios and supporting infrastructure, including deployable satellite technologies for a larger number of NZ Army personnel.

Network Enabled Army C4

Network Enabled Army ISR

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Network Enabled Army Programme: Tranche Two Cabinet material