NZ Defence Force Returns from US Army Tests with Wishlist for More Strike Drones
Published
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has taken part in a series of high-tech experiments with the United States Army. The tests were held in a desert environment and focused on how modern military equipment performs under difficult conditions.
The experiments showed that the power demands of new technology can be very high. The title of the original report notes that the wargames put a strain on batteries, which is an important problem for drones and other electronic systems that must operate for long periods away from fixed power sources.
After the experiments, the NZDF produced a wishlist of technology it would like to acquire. The most prominent item is more strike drones, which are unmanned aircraft that can be used to attack targets. The list suggests that the NZDF sees these systems as a priority for future defence planning. Officials have not, in the information available so far, given details about timing or cost.
The NZDF's interest in these tools reflects a wider trend in defence forces around the world, where drones and other automated systems are becoming more common. For New Zealand readers, the outcome of these experiments may influence how the country equips its forces in the coming years. Further details about any purchases are expected as planning continues.
Sources: RNZ
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