NZDF calls for tenders on $20 million polar surveillance drone

What happened

The NZ Defence Force is tendering for a single polar surveillance drone costing $20 million to operate in the Southern Ocean as far south as the Ross Sea. It will launch mostly from the Navy ship Aotearoa and fly up to 100 nautical miles away to search and track other vessels, sending data back to the NZDF, maritime security agencies and international partners. System capability accounts for 50 percent of the tender assessment, while economic benefit to New Zealand—including a small preference for local businesses—carries 10 percent weighting. Operating and maintenance costs are additional. The tender closes next month and signals further drone acquisitions by the Defence Force. It follows the NZDF's purchase of Australian Bluebottle drones last year; manufacturer Ocius Technology this week opened its first maintenance facility outside Australia in Auckland to support growing demand for autonomous maritime surveillance. The Crown will share non-price tender information with Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States if those governments request it.

Key facts

• $20 million cost for one polar surveillance drone
• Tender closes next month
• Launches from Navy ship Aotearoa in Southern Ocean
• Can fly up to 100 nautical miles
• System capability weighted at 50% of tender assessment

What happens next

Tender closes next month.

Primary source: NZDF polar drone tender

Covered byRNZNZ HeraldNot covered byStuff1NewsNewstalk ZBOtago Daily TimesNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz

Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

What outlets are saying