The New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) recent deployment of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), including microdrones that are operational in barely a minute, will enhance reconnaissance and surveillance missions in combat zones and natural disaster areas, officials say.
“The remotely operated systems are expected to reduce the risk to Soldiers operating in challenging environments by providing timely and accurate information that enhances risk assessments and decision-making in the field,” Brig. Jason Dyhrberg, commander of the New Zealand Army Land Component, said in a February 2025 news release.
Among the unarmed UAS delivered to the 6,400-member New Zealand Army under the Network Enabled Army program:
- The fixed-wing Vector Scorpion can take off and land vertically and travel up to 35 kilometers in three hours. The 3-meter-wingspan drone is carried in a backpack and operational within three minutes.
- The Skydio quadcopter, which also fits in a backpack, has a range of 10 kilometers and 35 minutes. The microdrone is operational within 75 seconds.
- The single-rotor Nano Black Hornet can fly for up to 25 minutes and is operational in less than 20 seconds. The pocket-size drone transmits video and high-definition images.
The UAS enhancements also include wireless cameras and other technologies that use acoustic, infrared and seismic sensors to detect and identify moving objects.
Ukraine’s deployment of armed and unarmed drones against invading Russian forces has highlighted the expanding incorporation of the emerging technology by forces worldwide for combat and noncombat missions. The Singapore Armed Forces, for example, is investing heavily in uncrewed surface vessels for the Navy’s Maritime Security Command and micro-UAS for the Army, according to an analysis published by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
“Enabled by growing commercial innovation and the increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence, autonomy and networking technology, unmanned systems are fundamentally changing how militaries of all sizes, capacities, and capabilities — as well as nonstate actors — achieve their objectives,” the United States Defense Department stated.
The New Zealand Army will deploy its UAS capabilities “across a broad range of tactical tasks to defend New Zealand and its interests,” Dyhrberg said.
The Royal New Zealand Artillery’s 16th Field Regiment received Vector Scorpions in December 2024.
“The Vector Scorpion is mainly used as a small battlegroup UAS to provide security, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition,” Lt. Col. Brent Morris, the regiment’s commanding officer, said in a news release. “It might be in the form of clearing routes, observing and monitoring targets, and providing real time information to our commanders on the ground to best inform their tactical decisions.
