“We’re partnering with New Zealand businesses to ensure the Defence Force can protect our people into the future,” Collins said. “NZDF will buy and trial advanced uncrewed systems from New Zealand company Syos Aerospace, enabling access to mission-ready, combat proven technology.”
Under the agreement, Syos Aerospace will supply a portfolio of air, land and sea systems over the coming months. These include the SG400 Uncrewed Ground Vehicle, the SM300 Uncrewed Surface Vessel, the SA2 ISR drone and the SA7 one way effector drone.
The Army and Navy will conduct trials across a range of operational scenarios, including transporting supplies, maritime patrols and route reconnaissance. The contract also includes specialist services to the NZDF Capability Branch to enable “structured experimentation, evaluation, and development to advance uncrewed systems capability.”
In addition to Syos, the programme brings together other New Zealand firms to support delivery and integration. “We’re further backing Kiwi businesses by bringing together Sysdoc for training support and Hirtenberger Defence Technology for advanced systems support,” Collins said.
Sysdoc, a New Zealand consulting firm with more than 15 years of experience and over 100 projects with the NZDF, will design learning and training materials for the new systems. Hirtenberger Defence Technology Ltd will support advanced systems integration, with the NZDF exploring integration of the drones with Hirtenberger’s Arcfire fire control system and the NZDF battle management system.
“This will inform future capability decisions on a technology that has rapidly become central to modern military operations,” Collins stated. “Last year we announced our Defence Industry Strategy, which details how Defence and industry will work together to deliver the Defence Capability Plan while building a strong, resilient industry that delivers economic growth and grows our export markets.”
“Having cutting-edge drone technology developed and supported by local businesses will reduce supply chain risk and strengthen our resilience – exactly what the strategy is designed for. In an increasingly contested world, we’re building the future by equipping our Defence Force with innovative Kiwi products to keep our people safe,” she added.
Syos Aerospace, founded four years ago in Mount Maunganui, operates research, development and production facilities in New Zealand and the United Kingdom and maintains an operational and support presence in Ukraine. The company’s uncrewed systems have been used operationally in the conflict in Ukraine, and it was recently named one of seven firms advancing to the next stage of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Project NYX to develop ‘wingman drones’ for British Army Apache helicopters.
