The prototype will be used by the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Army to design, install, and test selected communications and electronic systems. Once testing is completed, it will serve in user training and operational tasks.
In November last year, New Zealand ordered 60 Spanish vehicles, including 20 light general-purpose VAMTAC ST5s and 40 medium VAMTAC CK3s. The deal is valued at NZD 100 million and includes spare parts, communication equipment, support gear, and other components.
The new fleet will replace ageing 40-year-old Unimog and Pinzgauer trucks in roles such as personnel and equipment transport, humanitarian aid, disaster response, and search and rescue missions. This delivery marks the first tranche of vehicles, set to replace 25% of the outdated fleet, with further acquisitions planned.
