The New Zealand Army will field a new generation of digital communications systems under a $60 million investment to boost interoperability and situational awareness across coalition operations, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced Thursday.
The funding marks the third tranche of the multi-phased Network Enabled Army program, delivering military-grade radios, deployable satellite terminals and servers. The rollout is scheduled to begin in 2027.
Collins underscored the upgrade’s importance, calling it essential for ensuring troops remain “combat capable, lethal, deployable and interoperable with international partners” in a rapidly evolving security environment. She noted that much of the Army’s current communications equipment is more than 20 years old.
Multi-Phase Force Modernization
Launched in 2015, the four-phased NEA program aims to connect soldiers, vehicles, commanders and allied forces into a secure digital backbone. Earlier tranches introduced deployable command and control systems, tactical networking gear, and mission software.
International contractors have contributed to the program’s progress. U.S. defense firm Cubic has delivered tactical networking and satellite communications solutions, while L3Harris Technologies supplied a mobile tactical command system built around portable radios. Danish software company Systematic supports the Army’s SitaWare-based battle management platform.
The program has also incorporated unmanned systems. In 2023, New Zealand firm EPE partnered with U.S. drone manufacturer Skydio to supply the X2D unmanned aircraft system, enhancing reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities within the NEA framework.
Coalition-Ready Architecture
Collins said the latest investment would ensure the Army has communications tools that are “modern, fit-for-purpose, secure and resilient.”
According to the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, the NEA program is intended to provide the foundation of a fully networked force able to operate alongside international partners in contested environments.
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