Latest news with #RoseKing
RNZ News
24-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
US commander visits as military integration with 'kill chains' advances
The 805th Combat Training Squadron's Shadow Operations Centre - Nellis, or ShOC-N, is the US Air Force's premier battle lab supporting key technologies and capabilities designed to compress the kill-chain for joint and coalition warfighters. Photo: US Air Force / Keith Keel An American army commander visiting New Zealand has praised how the United States and New Zealand Defence Force are developing an integrated network, at the same time as the latest example of this integration comes to light. The latest example is a project to connect this country's so-called "battle lab" into a combined command-and-control system, including experiments in what US strategic command called "dynamic targeting kill-chain automation" . The visit of General Ronald Clark this week with the head of the NZ army, Major General Rose King, focused on the strengthening of the two armies' strategic partnership. Clark said the legacy of standing side-by-side in conflicts continued as the two forces built an "integrated landpower network" to preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific. "Discussions focused on building further interoperability, advancing combined readiness initiatives, and the US Army's recent transformation efforts," NZDF said in a media release. General Ronald Clark, Commanding General of United States Army Pacific and Major General Rose King, Chief of the New Zealand Army. Photo: NZDF One "key" to the army networking was a joint US-led command-and-control system, called CJADC2, said documents newly released under the Official Information Act. They show King has what is called a "capstone" (top priority) order to advance Interoperability with the US and other partners like Australia (this is one among six capstone orders). The King-Clark meeting came during the 30,000-strong army exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia. Talisman Sabre had "demonstrated growing interoperability across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains", NZDF said. The battle-lab integration comes under the US Air Force, which this week ordered another half billion dollars of new technology to advance the project. The NZDF said in response to RNZ inquiries, that it began participating in the Combined Federated Battle Lab network ( CFBLNet) this year. However, official US reports state New Zealand personnel took part in targeting experiments for it last year. They also began last year taking part in the US army's main integration initiative, Project Convergence, where experiments have linked New Zealand sensor and firing systems into a wider network. The multinational forces, particularly those of the Five Eyes partners - the US, Australia, UK, Canada and New Zealand - have have been working in earnest since last year to set up a mega-network, the Combined Joint All-Domain Command-and-Control (CJADC2) network. This is essentially to develop technologies to find targets and shoot them more quickly and accurately. The mega-network is being built to overlap with nuclear command-control-and-communications, Pentagon documents show. An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195, taxis on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Timor Sea, 16 July 2025, in support of Talisman Sabre. Photo: US Navy / Seaman Apprentice Nicolas Quezad "The NZDF involvement in these initiatives is a function of the need to be able to work alongside our military partners," the force told RNZ in an OIA response. "The NZDF is not a driver of the initiatives, and no NZDF project matches or mirrors the scale or nature of the United States' projects." Green Party defence spokesperson Teanau Toiono said pursuing interoperability with the US was too costly. "We're opposed to this US-led military regime but even if you look at it from an economic perspective, it's also expensive," Toiono said on Thursday. The growing integration was negative; "because what's good for the US, I don't think is good for us and I don't think it's good for the Pacific region". The Defence Force rejected RNZ's request for details about all recent integration moves, saying this required too much work. Even if it did that work, a lot of this was about combat capabilities and interoperability so was "classified information and would not be made public". King said in a release about Clark's visit that this country could not contribute mass and scale, but had soldiering quality to offer. "To that end, it's been great to be able to share some insight with General Clark and his team around how we go about training our people." She offered as an example a years-old, oft-delayed project to build a "Network Enabled Army" to improve digital communications and command-and-control interoperability, that would advance under the government's new defence capability plan. The USS America (LHA 6), steams alongside US Navy ships from the America Strike Group, Royal Australian Navy, Republic of Korea Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy, French Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force as part of Talisman Sabre 25, on 20 July. Photo: US Navy / Petty Officer 2nd Class Cole Pursley The US air force's main contribution to the mega-network is called the Advanced Battle Management System; the army's is Project Convergence; the navy's is Project Overmatch, which New Zealand joined in February. The US Air Force battle-labs experiments have involved New Zealand personnel in testing if new human-machine approaches are faster and better. A US unit "pitted current warfighter systems and procedures against new technologies to gather insights and streamline operational and tactical C2 [command and control] processes to speed up the kill-chain and decision-making timeline", a US Air Force report said. The Pentagon's "CJADC2 concept has challenged US joint and combined forces to prioritise achieving decision advantage over potential adversaries, to retain our warfighting advantage and enhance the deterrent effect of a powerful military". The US team leading this was "currently working with Australia and New Zealand to connect their Battle Labs", the air force said last year. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
US And NZ Army Leaders Strengthen Strategic Partnership
United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commanding General, General Ronald P. Clark, met this week with New Zealand Chief of Army, Major General Rose King, to reaffirm the strong and enduring military relationship between the two nations and advance efforts to bolster security cooperation, readiness, and interoperability across the Indo-Pacific region. Over the course of the senior leaders' and their delegations meeting in Wellington, as well as a visit to the NZ Army's training and cultural home in Waiouru, the deepening defence relationship was reflected between both countries, rooted in shared democratic values and more than a century of military cooperation dating back to the First World War. 'Our armies have stood side by side in every major conflict of the past century,' said General Clark. 'Today, that legacy continues as we build the integrated landpower network required to meet today's challenges and preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific.' Their meeting underscored not only the historical depth of the US–New Zealand Army partnership, but also the shared commitment to preparing their forces for the challenges of a rapidly evolving regional security environment. 'New Zealand values its close and enduring relationship with the US Army,' said Major General Rose King. 'Our cooperation is not just historical - it's operational, forward-looking, and grounded in trust. Together, we are preparing our forces to meet shared challenges across the region with agility, adaptability and purpose.' Discussions focused on building further interoperability, advancing combined readiness initiatives, and the US Army's recent transformation efforts. The leaders emphasised the critical role both armies play in shaping a free and open Indo-Pacific, especially as the region faces evolving threats and strategic competition. The meeting occurred as both nations' armies participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, where close to 700 New Zealand Defence Force troops trained alongside US, Australian, and other allied forces. The exercise demonstrated growing interoperability across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains. Major General King highlighted NewZealand's commitment to maintaining a modern, combat-ready force capable of deploying globally and regionally. The New Zealand Army - 4,200 active and 2,000 reserve soldiers strong – regularly integrates seamlessly with allied partners across combined missions and operations, supports United Nations peacekeeping operations and delivers humanitarian assistance across the Pacific when called upon. 'We know that we can't contribute mass and scale, but we pride ourselves on the quality of our soldiers and our leaders, who regularly deploy to, and add significant value to multinational deployments and operations,' Major General King said. 'To that end, it's been great to be able to share some insight with General Clark and his team around how we go about training our people.' As part of its publicly announced modernisation efforts through the New Zealand Government's Defence Capability Plan, the New Zealand Army is pursuing upgrades to its Javelin anti-tank missile system, investing in a Network Enabled Army to improve its digital communications and command-and-control interoperability, and planning the replacement of aging vehicle fleets to enhance mobility and sustainment in the field. 'New Zealand is a stalwart partner in the Pacific,' said General Clark. 'Whether in exercises like Talisman Sabre or standing shoulder to shoulder in peacekeeping operations, our soldiers share trust built on action, not just words.' This sentiment was echoed by Major General King, who emphasised the operational value of combined training and the practical steps both armies are taking to improve regional preparedness. 'Participating in Talisman Sabre alongside US and Australian forces showcases our commitment to operational readiness and deepening interoperability,' said Major General King. 'These exercises strengthen our collective capability to respond quickly and effectively in the region—whether in conflict, crisis, or humanitarian need.' Both generals acknowledged the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands region and affirmed their role in promoting regional security, development, and sovereignty. This visit underscored the enduring strength of the US–New Zealand partnership - one forged in the trenches of the First World War, battle-tested in the Pacific during the Second World War, and reaffirmed today through shared purpose and mutual respect.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
1st NZSAS Regiment Marks 70th Anniversary
Press Release – New Zealand Defence Force From its humble beginnings the NZSAS has since grown to become a full Regiment that gives the Government of the day a range of high-readiness, highly effective military options to advance and protect its interests. For 70 years the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) has been deployed on some of the most complex, challenging and dangerous missions faced by the New Zealand Defence Force, with the ultimate goal always being to protect New Zealand, its people and interests. The NZSAS was raised as a response to a strategic dilemma in the 1950s, when the New Zealand Government wanted to support the British in defending Malaya against the threat of communist expansion, whilst recognizing our comparatively small Defence Force and resources. As a result, a single NZSAS Squadron was raised and deployed to give New Zealand a credible impact across both military and political circles. From its humble beginnings the NZSAS has since grown to become a full Regiment that gives the Government of the day a range of high-readiness, highly effective military options to advance and protect its interests. Chief of Army Major General Rose King says NZSAS operators have played a pivotal role in a number of significant engagements over the course of the unit's existence. 'Our Special Forces personnel are among the best in the world at what they do. They deploy into places that others can't, they can achieve things that larger conventional units simply couldn't. Their sense of service over self is second to none, and their will to succeed and achieve their mission is extraordinary,' Major General Rose King said. Throughout its history, members of the NZSAS have been deployed throughout South East Asia and the Pacific, from Malaya to Timor Leste, Thailand to Papua New Guinea. The Unit has also contributed to global peace keeping and peace monitoring missions, with NZSAS operators later being heavily involved in the Middle East, including reconnaissance operations and partnering with Special Police Forces in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan campaign was bookended with a NZSAS team leading the ground evacuation of nearly 400 people to safety following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The Commanding Officer of 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment says the Regiment can only succeed with the support and sustainment of a world-class army and Defence Force. 'From the jungles of South East Asia and the Pacific, to the deserts, mountains and alleyways of the middle east and beyond, New Zealand's Special Air Service Regiment has always stood ready for New Zealand, and always will be,' the Commanding Officer said. 'For 70 years SAS, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Commando, and Special Operations enablers have delivered whenever Government has asked, and whenever the Chief of Defence Force has tasked. From its early focus on special reconnaissance and deep infiltration in the jungle, the Regiment has developed counter-terrorism, direct action and special recovery capabilities in recent decades. Commando and EOD trades have been established in order to support Police and other agencies when responding to new threats at home, with further advances across intelligence, communications, logistics, female engagement and medical specialties to provide special forces commanders with the broadest range of options and support. 'Whenever they're called upon, whatever the task, our NZSAS members are always ready to deploy at immediate notice in order to uphold the values we hold so important in New Zealand. They are a huge credit to not only Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army and the wider Defence Force, but should be a source of pride for the country as a whole,' Major General King said. The Regiment's Commanding Officer says this weekend is a special occasion to reflect on what has been a significant legacy by those who went before and will be marked with a series of events for both current and former members. It included the unveiling of new pou at Papakura Military Camp's memorial area earlier this week. 'The memorial area is where the Regiment records its whakapapa. It's where we thank those who have gone before and remember those who have paid the ultimate price. It is the spiritual hub of our camp and so these new pou carry a huge significance for us,' the Commanding Officer said. 'We will reflect not just on the operational successes, but also the vigilance and dedication it takes to train and prepare at home, to maintain standards, to develop new tactics, and to 'hold the pager' for crisis response.' Major General King said a lot has changed within the Regiment over the course of its seven decades, including evolved training methods, adapting to the changing nature of warfare, the physical locations of its home base and the hundreds of personnel and staff who have supported, enabled and maintained the Regiment over the decades. 'But many things have not, and will not change; the operational experience, professionalism and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence that embodies every member of New Zealand's Special Forces.'
Scoop
07-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
1st NZSAS Regiment Marks 70th Anniversary
For 70 years the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) has been deployed on some of the most complex, challenging and dangerous missions faced by the New Zealand Defence Force, with the ultimate goal always being to protect New Zealand, its people and interests. The NZSAS was raised as a response to a strategic dilemma in the 1950s, when the New Zealand Government wanted to support the British in defending Malaya against the threat of communist expansion, whilst recognizing our comparatively small Defence Force and resources. As a result, a single NZSAS Squadron was raised and deployed to give New Zealand a credible impact across both military and political circles. From its humble beginnings the NZSAS has since grown to become a full Regiment that gives the Government of the day a range of high-readiness, highly effective military options to advance and protect its interests. Chief of Army Major General Rose King says NZSAS operators have played a pivotal role in a number of significant engagements over the course of the unit's existence. 'Our Special Forces personnel are among the best in the world at what they do. They deploy into places that others can't, they can achieve things that larger conventional units simply couldn't. Their sense of service over self is second to none, and their will to succeed and achieve their mission is extraordinary,' Major General Rose King said. Throughout its history, members of the NZSAS have been deployed throughout South East Asia and the Pacific, from Malaya to Timor Leste, Thailand to Papua New Guinea. The Unit has also contributed to global peace keeping and peace monitoring missions, with NZSAS operators later being heavily involved in the Middle East, including reconnaissance operations and partnering with Special Police Forces in Afghanistan. The Afghanistan campaign was bookended with a NZSAS team leading the ground evacuation of nearly 400 people to safety following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The Commanding Officer of 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment says the Regiment can only succeed with the support and sustainment of a world-class army and Defence Force. 'From the jungles of South East Asia and the Pacific, to the deserts, mountains and alleyways of the middle east and beyond, New Zealand's Special Air Service Regiment has always stood ready for New Zealand, and always will be,' the Commanding Officer said. 'For 70 years SAS, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Commando, and Special Operations enablers have delivered whenever Government has asked, and whenever the Chief of Defence Force has tasked. From its early focus on special reconnaissance and deep infiltration in the jungle, the Regiment has developed counter-terrorism, direct action and special recovery capabilities in recent decades. Commando and EOD trades have been established in order to support Police and other agencies when responding to new threats at home, with further advances across intelligence, communications, logistics, female engagement and medical specialties to provide special forces commanders with the broadest range of options and support. 'Whenever they're called upon, whatever the task, our NZSAS members are always ready to deploy at immediate notice in order to uphold the values we hold so important in New Zealand. They are a huge credit to not only Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army and the wider Defence Force, but should be a source of pride for the country as a whole,' Major General King said. The Regiment's Commanding Officer says this weekend is a special occasion to reflect on what has been a significant legacy by those who went before and will be marked with a series of events for both current and former members. It included the unveiling of new pou at Papakura Military Camp's memorial area earlier this week. 'The memorial area is where the Regiment records its whakapapa. It's where we thank those who have gone before and remember those who have paid the ultimate price. It is the spiritual hub of our camp and so these new pou carry a huge significance for us,' the Commanding Officer said. 'We will reflect not just on the operational successes, but also the vigilance and dedication it takes to train and prepare at home, to maintain standards, to develop new tactics, and to 'hold the pager' for crisis response.' Major General King said a lot has changed within the Regiment over the course of its seven decades, including evolved training methods, adapting to the changing nature of warfare, the physical locations of its home base and the hundreds of personnel and staff who have supported, enabled and maintained the Regiment over the decades. 'But many things have not, and will not change; the operational experience, professionalism and the unrelenting pursuit of excellence that embodies every member of New Zealand's Special Forces.'
