NZDF Contributes To Multinational Activities In The Indo-Pacific Region

The New Zealand
Defence Force (NZDF) is deploying naval and air assets, and
personnel, on joint operations, exercises and engagements
throughout the Indo-Pacific from August to October, as part
of its commitment to regional security.

Fresh from
exercising advanced capabilities during Exercise Rim of the
Pacific (RIMPAC), the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS
Te Mana will turn its attention towards maritime security
patrols in North Asia monitoring for United Nations Security
Council (UNSC) sanctions breaches and evasions as part of a
combined effort with partners.

New Zealand has been a
member of the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX)
since 2018, a partnership of nations working together to
detect evasions of UNSC sanctions which are aimed at curbing
North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile
programmes.

The NZDF regularly deploys both air and
naval assets to the region in support of PSMX
patrols.

“In 2026, this support to monitor and
report evasions of the UNSC resolutions imposing sanctions
on North Korea continues,’’ said Commander Joint Forces,
Major General Rob Krushka.

Te Mana and Aotearoa have
been sailing as a Royal New Zealand Navy Task Group that
will continue to contribute to regional activities at sea
alongside Indo-Pacific partners.

This is the first
time the Anzac-class frigate Te Mana has deployed in support
of UNSC sanctions monitoring. Aotearoa will be in the area
and will undertake sustainment activities for Te Mana and
partner nations’ vessels. The ships have SH-2G(I)
Seasprite helicopters on board to support the suite of
upcoming Indo-Pacific activities.

While deployed in
the Indo-Pacific, the Task Group will support activities
including an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
maritime cooperative activity, as well as a range of port
calls including Australia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, the
Philippines, and the Republic of Korea.

The NZDF will
also deploy personnel and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A
Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to conduct multinational
exercises in the region.

This includes deploying
the Poseidon to the Five Power Defence Arrangements’
Exercise Bersama Lima, which this year is being held in
Singapore.

New Zealand is committed to further
practical military cooperation throughout the region,
alongside ASEAN partners.

To this end, the NZDF will
also contribute personnel and specialist capabilities to a
multinational ASEAN exercise held in Indonesia, in support
of regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
preparedness.

Major General Krushka said New Zealand
was committed to working alongside partners on monitoring
and enforcement operations, upholding the international
rules-based system and contributing to regional stability
and security through its series of exercises, engagements
and operations.

All NZDF activities are conducted in
accordance with international law, including the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea.

© Scoop Media