From 15-minute drones to instant kill chains: What does NZ’s future army look like?

Analysis

Analysis by

RNZ

8 Nov, 2026 07:30 PM5 mins to read

NZ Army future fighting concept sets out AI, drones and autonomous warfare. Photo / Mike Scott

By Phil Pennington of RNZ

What does NZ’s army of the future look like?

A new report shows a potential combination of electronics and warfare in ways only dreamed about a decade ago.

The New Zealand Defence Force’s new 50-page Future Fighting Concept report – like