The strategic situation and outlook facing New Zealand is the most unstable and challenging in decades.
The Ministry and NZDF have undertaken a Defence Policy Review to provide a blueprint for how to meet those challenges.
The first two products – a Defence Policy and Strategy Statement and Future Force Design Principles were released in August 2023. The final document, an updated Defence Capability Plan, was released on April 2025.
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, especially in the maritime domain, 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 an increasingly integrated “Anzac” force.
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Innovative and has improved situational awareness: innovation in this DCP covers new ways of doing things, as well as exploring new technologies for the NZDF that will help with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). This includes exploring new technologies for the NZDF such as uncrewed vehicles, new space technologies, and increased funding for Defence Science & Technology.
The plan reflects the Government’s commitment to the security of New Zealand in a more contested and challenging world by indicatively allocating resources to rebuild and expand our defence capabilities, attract and retain skilled personnel, modernise estate, improve resilience in logistics, upgrade digital systems, and ensure Defence portfolios are managed effectively.
A programme of engagement with partners, academia, veterans, the public and Defence industry was undertaken in 2023 to help inform the Defence Policy Review.
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