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New Zealand Army
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This is a list of equipment of the New Zealand Army currently in use. It includes small arms, combat vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, artillery and transport vehicles. The New Zealand Army is the principal land warfare force of New Zealand, a part of the New Zealand Defence Force. Since the ANZUS breakup and the end of the Cold War, the New Zealand Army has been deployed to a number of conflict zones, often as part of a coalition force or part of a United Nations peacekeeping operation.

Infantry section equipment[]

A standard New Zealand infantry section consists of ten soldiers, divided into two five-men infantry fireteams. While equipment formations can be tailored as required by section and platoon commanders, infantry sections are usually issued with the following:[1]

Weapons[]

Vision systems[]

Uniforms[]

Weapons[]

Pistols[]

Name Origin Type Calibre Image Details
Glock 17 Flag of Austria Austria Semi-automatic pistol 9×19mm Parabellum GLOCK 17 Gen 4 Pistol MOD 45160305 Standard issue pistol. Glock 17, 4th gen.

Infantry rifles[]

Name Origin Type Calibre Image Details
LMT MARS-L United States Assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO File:LMT R20 Rahe.jpg Adopted in 2015 to replace the Steyr AUG as the standard service rifle of the New Zealand Army. This weapon comes in 2 different barrel lengths and can take many modular attachments hence the name given by the NZDF to this rifle the Modular Assault Rifle System - Light (this is the same with LMT's own MARS-L, but is referred as the Modular Ambidextrous Rifle System - Light instead for its US civilian models). The rifle is generally equipped with the Trijicon ACOG scope with an RMR red dot mounted on top. Most recent design upgrade with enhanced features based on the AR-15/M4/M-16 family of firearms. Equipped with M7 bayonet.
M4 carbine United States Carbine 5.56×45mm NATO PEO M4 Carbine RAS M68 CCO Used by New Zealand Special Air Service.[2][3][4]
F88 Austeyr Flag of Austria Austria
Flag of Australia Australia
Bullpup assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO AUG A1 508mm 04 Used from 1988 until 2017. The first 5,000 weapons delivered were manufactured in Austria by Steyr Daimler Puch. The majority of weapons now in service are the Australian ADI-made Austeyr F88 variant. It is called the IW Steyr (Individual Weapon Steyr) in service of the New Zealand Defence Force.[5] On 12 August 2015 it was announced the Lewis Machine Tools 5.56 mm MARS-L will replace the Steyr AUG.[6]

Precision rifles[]

Name Origin Type Calibre Photo Details
LMT 308 MWS United States Designated marksman rifle 7.62×51mm NATO L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle MOD 45162216 The New Zealand Army adopted the rifle in October 2011. It differs from its UK counterpart in the use of a Leupold adjustable 4.5-14× scope, canted iron sights and a foldable foregrip.
Barrett M107A1 United States Anti-materiel sniper rifle 12.7×99mm NATO Barrett-M82A1-Independence-Day-2017-IZE-048-white A semi-automatic sniper and anti-materiel rifle chambered in .50 BMG.[7] M107A1 to be introduced in 2018 [8]
Barrett MRAD United States Bolt action sniper rifle .338 Lapua Magnum Barrett-MRAD-brown Introduced in 2018 to replace the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare 7.62×51mm bolt action sniper rifle.[9] Equipped with an ATACR 5-25×56 F1 Nightforce scope. Dual calibre configuration with 7.62×51mm NATO for training and .338 Lapua Magnum for operations.[10]

Machine guns[]

Name Origin Type Calibre Photo Details
Minimi Flag of Belgium (civil) Belgium Light machine gun 5.56×45mm NATO FN MINIMI Standard Right The New Zealand Defence Force uses the Minimi under the designation C9 Minimi. This gun has been used as the Army's Light Support Weapon (LSW) since 1988.[11] The 7.62 Minimi TR was selected in Feb 2012 to replace the C9 LSW Minimi and will be known as the 7.62 LSW Minimi in NZDF service.[12]
FN MAG 58 Flag of Belgium (civil) Belgium General-purpose machine gun 7.62×51mm NATO Australian Army soldier armed with a FN MAG machine gun in Afghanistan during 2010 - cropped The New Zealand Defence Force originally purchased the British-made L7A2 version of the MAG in 1976. These are now being replaced by several versions of the Belgian-made MAG-58, which was originally introduced into service as part of the introduction of the NZLAV. The FN-made MAGs are now used in the infantry light machine gun (LMG) role as a flexible mounted machine gun on the LOV and NH-90 and as a heavy sustained fire machine gun.[13]
Browning M2HB-QCB United States Heavy machine gun 12.7×99mm NATO IDF-M2-Browning-v01-by-Zachi-Evenor Heavy machine gun not used at the infantry section level but rather as a heavy support weapon usually mounted on vehicles. It uses the .50 BMG cartridge and has an effective range in excess of 2,000 metres.

Shotguns[]

Name Origin Type Calibre Photo Details
Benelli M3 Flag of Italy Italy Shotgun 12-gauge OH 06-0569 - Flickr - NZ Defence Force (2) NZ Defence Force;[14] initially introduced in Army service in 2006.[15]

Grenade Launchers[]

Name Origin Type Calibre Photo Details
M203 United States Grenade launcher 40×46mm 20130606 OH H1013410 0013.JPG - Flickr - NZ Defence Force Attaches to the IW MARS-L (RM Equipment M203PI) and M4 (Colt M203-A1) rifles.
Heckler & Koch GMG Flag of Germany Germany Automatic grenade launcher 40×53mm HK GMW

Mortars[]

Name Origin Type Calibre Photo Details
L16A2 Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom
Flag of Canada Canada
Mortar 81mm 81mmMORT L16 50 in inventory
Hirtenberger M8 Flag of Austria Austria Mortar 81mm [16][17]
Hirtenberger M6 Flag of Austria Austria Mortar 60mm 32 in inventory[17]

Anti-material weapons[]

Name Origin Type Calibre Photo Details
Mistral (missile) Flag of France France Man-portable surface-to-air missile High explosive with high density tungsten balls 54RA-IMG 9142 12 launchers, 70 rounds[citation needed]. Not in active use.
66 mm Short-Range Anti-Armour Weapon (M72 LAW) United States Anti-tank rocket launcher 66mm M72A2 LAW A single shot disposable anti-armour weapon, 3200 in stock March 2021[citation needed].
L14A1 Carl Gustav Medium Direct Fire Support Weapon Flag of Sweden Sweden Recoilless rifle 84mm 20110610 WN S1015650 0024 - Flickr - NZ Defence Force 42 M3 Carl Gustav[citation needed], primarily used in the anti-armour role.
Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) United States Guided anti-armour missile 127mm OH 08-0176-05 - Flickr - NZ Defence Force 24 launchers 120 missiles, another 170 missiles acquired 2019[citation needed].

Artillery[]

Model Image Origin Type Number Details
L119 light gun OH 10-0452-084 - Flickr - NZ Defence Force Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom 105 mm towed field gun 24 L119 version - uses US M1 type ammunition
Ordnance QF 25-pounder NZ artillery 25 pounder Korea 1951 (AWM HOBJ2238) Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom 3.45-inch (87.6 mm) towed field gun In September 1977, the 25-pounder was withdrawn from full operational service. However, the field gun is still used by the ceremonial saluting battery at Point Jerningham, Wellington to mark official events. It is also used as New Zealand's official funeral gun carriage.[18]

Electronic warfare[]

Name Image Origin Type Number Details
AN/TPQ-49 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar United States Counter-mortar radar 4 [19]

Vehicles[]

Model Image Origin Type Number Details
Armoured vehicles
NZLAV 20110912 WN S1015650 0030.jpg - Flickr - NZ Defence Force Flag of Canada Canada Infantry fighting vehicle (73) 22 getting sold 105 NZLAVs, including 95 Infantry Mobility Vehicle (IMV), 7 Light Obstacle Blade Vehicle (LOB) and 3 Recovery Vehicle (LAV-R).The New Zealand armed forces purchased 105 LAV of which 102 were standard vehicles and 3 were redesigned for recovery.

In 2010 the government said it would look at the possibility of selling 35 LAVs, around a third of the fleet, as being surplus to requirements.[20]

Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle on display at Centenary of Military Aviation 2014 Flag of Australia Australia Protected vehicle (5)

+(43) ON order

The New Zealand Special Air Service operates five Thales Bushmasters designated the Special Operations Vehicle-Protected Heavy (SOV-PH) purchased from Australian Defence Force stock.[21][22] The Army will acquire 43 Bushmasters variant NZ5.5 to replace the existing fleet of armored NZLOVs with deliveries expected in late 2022.[23][24][25]
Transport vehicles
Polaris MRZR Hunter vehicle tested during MFIX-17 United States Utility Task Vehicle (6) The MRZR is a militarised version of the Polaris RZR recreational vehicle. It is diesel powered, fitted with run flat tires and an infra-red light to aid driving using night vision goggles.[26] Issued to the High Readiness Company of the 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1 RNZIR)[27]
Supacat HMT Extenda Extenda Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom Special operations vehicle (6) The New Zealand Special Air Service operate an undisclosed number of Supacat HMT Extenda vehicles designated the Special Operations Vehicles-Mobility Heavy (SOV-MH) that entered service in 2018.[28][29] The SOV-MH replaced the Pinzgauer Special Operations (MV-SO) vehicle.[28]
Pinzgauer High-Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle OH 10-0445-031 - Flickr - NZ Defence Force Flag of Austria Austria All-wheel drive vehicle (321) The NZ Army operates 321 Pinzgauer vehicles over eight variants to fulfill the Light Operational Vehicle (LOV) role.[30] They are currently being replaced under the Projected Mobility Project.[31]
Mercedes-Benz Unimog NZ Defence Force assistance to OP Rena at the beach Flag of Germany Germany Medium vehicle (82) Planned to be replaced under the Garrison Support & Training vehicle project. Used for support during the 2021 Canterbury Flooding.
RMMV Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicle HX77 (8x8) with RMMV MAC protected cabin Flag of Germany Germany Medium/Heavy vehicle

Bridging Vehicle

Heavy recovery vehicle

197 The NZ Army operates 194 MAN HX58/60/77 Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicles (MHOV), they were brought into service in the mid-2010s in order to replace parts of the aging Unimog U1700 fleet.[32]

The Rapidly Emplaced Bridge System provides a bridging capability to support the NZLAV.[33]

Mercedes-Benz Actros Mercedes-Benz Actros 3348 E. T. Flag of Germany Germany Heavy vehicle 4 In 2010 New Zealand purchased 4 Actros to haul adjustable-width quad-axle low-loader semitrailers primarily for the transportation of LAVs (Light Armoured Vehicles).
Engineering vehicles
M1089 Wrecker M1089WRECKER United States Wrecker 5 To be replaced by the RMMMV HX44M.[34]
JCB HMEE 20110613 WN S1015650 0003.jpg - Flickr - NZ Defence Force Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom Combat tractor 6 In 2011 six JCB High Mobility Engineer Excavator (HMEE) combat tractors were delivered to the Army, they are operated in support of Combat engineers.[35]
CAT 938K United States
Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom
Track laying vehicle 2 Equipped with the FAUN M30H Trackway Dispenser.[36]
BPRV United States
Flag of New Zealand New Zealand
Beach preparation and recovery vehicle 2 Based on Caterpillar D555 'forestry skidder'. In service with the Amphibious Beach Team, 5 Movements Company.[37]
Support vehicles
Nissan Navara Flag of Japan Japan Support Vehicle 30
Mitsubishi Triton Flag of Japan Japan Support Vehicle 130
Toyota RAV4 Flag of Japan Japan Support Vehicle
Yutong ZK6760 Yutong ZK6760DAA 1GRU233 @ Ern Clark Athletic Track,Cannington Flag of the People's Republic of China China Bus 2 12 on order[38]
Iveco Daily Flag of Italy Italy Ambulance 12
Scania P93 Flag of Sweden Sweden Fire truck 3
Scania G93 Flag of Sweden Sweden Fire truck 2
MAN TG Flag of Germany Germany Fire truck 1
International 1810 United States Fire truck 1
Ceremonial vehicles
Land Rover Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom Ceremonial Gun Carriage 3 Retired from service Used for funeral and ceremonial purposes only.

Watercraft[]

Name Image Origin Type Number Details
FC530 MilPro Zodiac NZMTP France France Rigid inflatable boat

Aircraft[]

Name Image Origin Type Number Details
AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma U S Marine Corps RQ-20 Puma 4-M-DE476-005 United States Unmanned aerial vehicle 1 A single Puma is in operational service.[39]
Skycam Kahu New Zealand Defence Forces Miniature UAV Flag of New Zealand New Zealand Training and limited battlefield surveillance Kahu was developed by the Defence Technology Agency. It served as a vehicle for technology development and enabled the NZDF to gain first-hand experience as an RPAS operator. Kahu has also been deployed operationally on a limited basis.[40]
DJI Mavic Pro 2019-03-23 - Mavic Pro -3941 Flag of the People's Republic of China China Training and Experimentation Purposes 26 Used as a concept, training and experimentation platform to assist the army in assessing future use cases for UAS systems. These systems are used only in unclassified training space, never connected to the Internet or NZDF networks, and are not for deployment.[41]
DJI Phantom 4 DJI Phantom 4Pro 04-2017 img3 in flight 1
Black Hornet Black Hornet Nano Helicopter UAV Flag of Norway Norway Reconnaissance and battlefield surveillance Used by the New Zealand Special Air Service.[40]

Future equipment[]

Equipment is trialed for the New Zealand army under the Battle Lab program.

  • Electric Utility Motorcycles - UBCO electric bikes are currently being trialed by Battle Lab for the purposes of reconnaissance and surveillance, airfield security and other transport roles.[42][43]
  • Electric Staff Vehicles - In efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, the army is trialing the electric Hyundai Ioniq, in addition to installing electric vehicle charging stations at Trentham Military Camp.

See also[]

References[]

  1. "New Zealand Rifle Platoon Organization (2017)" (in en). https://www.battleorder.org/nz-rifle-platoon-2019. 
  2. "Unofficial New Zealand Special Air Service page". http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-army-today/rar-sasr/nz-sas.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-25. 
  3. "Split second decisions: police rules of engagement". The Sunday Star-Times. 1 February 2009. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/1387878. Retrieved 15 October 2011. 
  4. "Replacement due for police rifles". 19 May 2005. http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/1923. Retrieved 8 March 2016. 
  5. "NZ Army – Personal Weapons". Archived from the original on 18 December 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091218164455/http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/weapons/default.htm. Retrieved 21 May 2017. 
  6. "Hated army assault rifles unlikely to be sold". The New Zealand Herald. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11278332. Retrieved 14 November 2014. 
  7. Davis, Sgt Mick (5 December 2013). "Snipers Hit the Mark: Snipers get fired up at SASR concentration in WA". Army (News). Directorate of Defence News. p. 11. http://armynews.realviewdigital.com/default.aspx?iid=84873&startpage=page0000011#folio=10. Retrieved 23 December 2013. 
  8. Force, New Zealand Defence (18 October 2017). "Defence Force buying two new weapons". https://medium.com/@nzdefenceforce/defence-force-buying-two-new-weapons-db9599cf34d5. 
  9. "New Weapons for Snipers and Special Forces". October 2017. pp. 4–5. ISSN 1170-4411. http://army.mil.nz/downloads/pdf/army-news/armynews487.pdf. 
  10. "New Sniper Rifle for the NZ Army". New Zealand Defence Force. 22 November 2017. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnDD-RHeLVU. 
  11. "NZ Army - Our Equipment - Machine Guns". Archived from the original on 2011-05-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20110524151827/http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/weapons/machine-guns.htm. Retrieved 2011-06-24.  New Zealand Army official site
  12. Martin (Ed.), Judith (February 2012). "New Light Support Weapon for NZ Defence". p. 5. http://www.army.mil.nz/downloads/pdf/army-news/armynews428.pdf. Retrieved 14 May 2012. "The New Zealand Defence Force has selected the FN Herstal 7.62mm Minimi TR as a replacement for the 5.56 mm LSW C9, currently in service. The weapons are being acquired now, with NZ delivery due to start from April this year, and introduction to service and issuing to units planned to occur in last quarter of 2012. The 7.62 LSW Minimi will be issued to certain Army and Air Force Units. This will replace the C9 capability, with priority being given to field force units and regional equipment pools." 
  13. "Machine Guns". Army.mil.nz. 2008-02-11. Archived from the original on 2012-03-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20120327033112/http://www.army.mil.nz/our-army/equipment/weapons/machine-guns.htm. Retrieved 2011-06-24. 
  14. "New Shotguns for Defence". NZ Army News. NZ Defence Force. September 2011. p. 5. Archived from the original on 6 January 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120106035824/http://www.army.mil.nz/downloads/pdf/army-news/armynews424.pdf. Retrieved 31 January 2012. 
  15. "Heed The Need". NZ Army News. NZ Defence Force. 14 November 2006. Archived from the original on 16 December 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20101216112732/http://army.mil.nz/at-a-glance/news/army-news/archived-issues/2006/367/htn.htm. Retrieved 31 January 2012. "The Army is purchasing a small number of Benelli M3 Tactical shotguns, which are expected to deploy with 1 RNZIR and 2/1 RNZIR soldiers on stability and security-type operations." 
  16. "NZ revamps artillery with new sensors and digital backbones | Shephard" (in en). https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/nz-revamps-artillery-new-sensors-and-digital-backb/. 
  17. 17.0 17.1 Jacobs, Maxine (2021-06-18). "Defence staff feel the fire in Waiouru weapons show" (in en). https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/125431744/defence-staff-feel-the-fire-in-waiouru-weapons-show. 
  18. "Military Hardware". 2018-07-02. https://www.armymuseum.co.nz/military-hardware/museum-collection/ordnance-quick-firing-25-pound-mk-ii/. 
  19. "NZ revamps artillery with new sensors and digital backbones | Shephard" (in en). https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/nz-revamps-artillery-new-sensors-and-digital-backb/. 
  20. "Govt to sell 35 army LAVs". 24 May 2010. http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/national-news/3732671/Govt-to-sell-35-army-LAVs. 
  21. New Zealand Defence Force; New Zealand Ministry of Defence (August 2019). Major Projects Report 2018 : 1 July 2017 - 30 June 2018. New Zealand Government. pp. 85–97. ISBN 9781988515090. https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/publication/file/d61536d03c/MPR-2018.pdf. Retrieved 3 October 2021. 
  22. Nicholson, Brendan (2 February 2018). "Bushmasters give allies a safe ride". The Australian. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/bushmasters-give-allies-a-safe-ride/news-story/c444989c2fda14df9c71f155aa5fb8d9. 
  23. Defence Minister Ron Mark (8 July 2020). "New Armoured vehicles for New Zealand Army" (in en). http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-armoured-vehicles-new-zealand-army. 
  24. "Next Steps Announced for Army Protected Mobility". July 2020. p. 5. ISSN 1170-4411. https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Army/AN514_Jul_LR-2.pdf. 
  25. "New Bushmaster Armoured Vehicles hit the production line". 24 September 2021. https://www.defence.govt.nz/the-latest/story/new-bushmaster-armoured-vehicles-hit-the-production-line. 
  26. "Operational Vehicles" (in en-NZ). https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/army/capability/operational-vehicles/. 
  27. Dominguez, Gabriel (2020-07-08). "New Zealand Army receives first six Polaris MRZR vehicles" (in en). https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/new-zealand-army-receives-first-six-polaris-mrzr-vehicles. 
  28. 28.0 28.1 New Zealand Defence Force; New Zealand Ministry of Defence (August 2019). Major Projects Report 2018 : 1 July 2017 - 30 June 2018. New Zealand Government. pp. 85–97. ISBN 9781988515090. https://www.defence.govt.nz/assets/publication/file/d61536d03c/MPR-2018.pdf. Retrieved 3 October 2021. 
  29. "Supacat Special Operations Vehicles Accepted in New Zealand". SC Group. 18 January 2018. https://scgroup-global.com/newsevents/news/supacat-special-operations-vehicles-accepted-new-zealand/. 
  30. "New Zealand Army - New Zealand Defence Force". http://www.army.mil.nz/our-capability/operational-vehicles/nz-light-operational-vehicle.htm. 
  31. "Protected Mobility Capability update - DEFSEC Media". http://www.defsecmedia.co.nz/defence/autumn-2018-protected-mobility/#:~:text=The%20Protected%20Mobility%20project%20will,%2F19%20to%202028%2F29.. 
  32. "New Zealand Army - New Zealand Defence Force". http://www.army.mil.nz/our-capability/operational-vehicles/default.htm. 
  33. "Operational Vehicles" (in en-NZ). https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/army/capability/operational-vehicles/. 
  34. "New Zealand officially receives HX44Ms - Shephard Media" (in en). https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/new-zealand-officially-receives-hx44ms/. 
  35. "New Zealand Army - New Zealand Defence Force". http://www.army.mil.nz/our-capability/operational-vehicles/combat-tractor.htm. 
  36. "Advance on the beach". https://issuu.com/nzdefenceforce/docs/nt_248_web/s/11135152. 
  37. "New Zealand Army | Army News - Issue 515, August 2020 page 9" (in en). https://issuu.com/nzdefenceforce/docs/armynews_issue515. 
  38. "NZDF chooses Yutong and JW Group – JW Group New Zealand" (in en). https://www.jwgroup.co.nz/news/nzdf-chooses-yutong-and-jw-group/. 
  39. "Defence Force seeks more drones for fleet" (in en-NZ). https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/defence-force-seeks-more-drones-for-fleet/VKS5KGU54TY5DBB7JFPIQ66HO4/. 
  40. 40.0 40.1 "Integration of NZDF Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems into New Zealand Civil Airspace". October 2018. https://www.dta.mil.nz/assets/publication/a2a9062112/Report430.pdf. 
  41. "NZDF has no plans to ground drones banned by US military allies over cyber-safety fears" (in en-NZ). https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nzdf-has-no-plans-to-ground-drones-banned-by-us-military-allies-over-cyber-safety-fears/M5YWKT57O3OBVI434IVSJMSHNE/. 
  42. "UBCO | NZDF CASE STUDY" (in en). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAEskvG8fFI. 
  43. "Military mopeds: NZDF trialling electric bikes" (in en-NZ). https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/news/military-mopeds-nzdf-trialling-electric-bikes/. 
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