Thursday, September 3, 2026

Featured articles: Defence


Frigate or no frigate? Larger platforms or more of them? Crewed or uncrewed? Autonomous, or not? Is the Anzac partnership a myth or does it have the substance that will be required of it? Are we needing more rules in procurement or more agility? These are just some of the either/or (or both) questions that our expert contributors have been exploring recently…


New Zealand Army’s Missing Battalion

A third battalion would create a three-battalion framework resolving the inherent fragility of the existing two-battalion structure, writes Graeme Doull.

Mission Command in the Age of Human-Autonomous Teaming

Every technological revolution has promised commanders better decisions through better information. Yet fog of war remains constant, writes Josh Wineera.

Naval Combat Capability: Reflections on choice

The Babcock Type 31 and upgraded Mogami are answers to different questions, writes Andy Watts. It depends on the mission.

The NZ Army Drone Problem: Zero progress where it matters

Without credible drone and counter-drone capabilities, New Zealand Army’s soldiers are left unprepared for the modern battlefield, writes Graeme Doull.

New Zealand-Australia Defence Relations: Renewing the original intent

Closer NZ-Australia defence alignment is a recurring theme, but it needs stronger supporting structures to work, writes Dr Jim Rolfe.

Anzac Frigate Replacement: The option of least regret

New Zealand should choose the frigate option that maximises utility, adaptability and availability over next three decades, writes Jim Gilmour.

Right Solution, Right Quantity: A new Defence procurement framework

Graeme Doull proposes Defence procurement framework prioritising proven solutions and calculating quantities based on numbers needed for sustained operational capability.

Defence and Industry: Building capability through partnership

According to NZDIA Board, a resilient defence ecosystem requires a balance of sovereign capability, international partnerships, innovation, and operational relevance.

Why artillery should manage battlefield drones

FPV drones are no longer being dispersed across the force, They’re delivering surveillance and indirect fire effects, writes Ben Morgan.

Refusing to Adapt: The frigate fallacy

As the nature of warfare transforms, replacing New Zealand’s frigates shouldn’t necessarily equate to acquiring replacement frigates, writes Marc Parsons.

Enough Tinkering: Make drones the main effort

It’s not whether drones will shape future conflict but whether NZ intends to participate in that future writes Graeme Doull.

The Interview: Dr David Galligan

Defence Science & Technology Director Dr David Galligan talks with Nicholas Dynon on contributing to science in the national interest.

A capable Defence Force, and an independent nation

A reformed procurement system will deliver better value, and independence, writes Labour Party Spokesperson for Defence Hon Damien O’Connor MP.

Securing New Zealand’s Future: Defence, industry, and resilience

Partnering with industry and building domestic capability critical to New Zealand’s defence, writes Minister of Defence Hon Chris Penk MP.

The case for an independent New Zealand national security think tank

An independent think tank needed to bridge the analysis gap between government and community, write Tim Hurdle and Ross Browne.