The UK is set to boost its defence and security partnership with New Zealand, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer deepens international alliances to protect Britain’s national interests.
During a visit to the UK, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will join Starmer to observe the joint UK-New Zealand training of Ukrainian troops under Operation Interflex. So far, the initiative has trained over 54,000 Ukrainian soldiers, with New Zealand expected to extend its commitment through the end of the year.
Both countries are also backing Ukraine beyond military training. The UK will announce a £30 million drone contract with SYOS Aerospace—a New Zealand-based uncrewed aircraft company operating in Hampshire—to support Ukrainian forces. The deal will create 45 jobs in Fareham and support nine additional UK-based firms, contributing to the government’s Plan for Change.
Looking ahead, UK and New Zealand defence ministers have been tasked with forming a new joint defence partnership to modernize their strategic relationship. This will replace the current agreement signed in 2015. It aligns with both nations’ increases in defence spending—2.5% of GDP for the UK and 2% for New Zealand.
Part of the collaboration includes the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate, HMNZS Te Kaha, joining the UK’s Carrier Strike Group as it heads into the Indo-Pacific from Portsmouth today. The move highlights shared commitments to maintaining regional and global stability.
Prime Minister Starmer stated:
“Only by working with our friends and allies and protecting our national security will we be able to deliver on our Plan for Change, putting money back in the pockets of working people through highly skilled jobs - such as those we have announced today - a strong and resilient economy, and greater opportunity.
“From the beaches of Gallipoli, to the vital work we have been doing together on Operation Interflex and our support for Ukraine, the UK and New Zealand have stood shoulder-to-shoulder for generations in pursuit of peace and stability.
“As the world becomes an increasingly dangerous place, I am proud how much we are doing together to support our national and economic security – stepping up our defence spending, deploying our navies together in the Indo-Pacific, and continuing our work to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to deter an increasingly aggressive Russia.”
Following their visit to the training programme, the two leaders will return to Downing Street for talks on strengthening economic ties. Discussions will cover trade growth and collaboration through agreements such as the UK-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
In the year leading up to September 2024, total trade between the UK and New Zealand reached £3.6 billion—an increase of 5.3% from the previous year.
The partnership is also expanding into other sectors:
Emergency Services: Scottish company Emergency One secured a contract to supply 186 emergency vehicles to New Zealand over the next decade, creating 25 new jobs in East Ayrshire.
Agri-Tech Innovation: A new investor partnership will channel New Zealand funding into British SMEs to develop advanced agricultural technologies that promote growth, sustainability, and food security. Photo by Bjankuloski06, Wikimedia commons.