We’re a force for New Zealand

We’re a force for peace and security

We’re a force for those in need

We’re a force for good

We’re a force for our communities

Inside the cockpit of a C-130 hercules, three aircrew members with headset on navigate a blue and cloudy sky

Evacuees board a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130H(NZ) Hercules aircraft at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. NZDF personnel stand at the ramp of the aircraft to support them and provide security

A C-130 Hercules aircraft carries out a load drop during an exercise

In the foreground a young child smiles while sitting on his bike out of excitement seeing the Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter flying in the background. It's a sunny summer day with some cloud and dry grass.

Latest Stories

Anzac Day 2025

26 April 2025

Story Collection

Family and concrete: Palmerston North man aims for skies as helicopter loadmaster

29 April 2025

People

Side view of a P-8A Poseidon, a large grey jet aircraft with landing gear down as the plane prepares to land on a cloudy day.

New Zealand contributes Poseidon to North Korea sanctions monitoring

29 April 2025

Ops & exercises

Air Force Medic of the Year

28 April 2025

People

A song of ice and a firefighter: RNZAF firefighter warms to work with planes and penguins

28 April 2025

Life in service

Attendance soars at Anzac Day service in Gallipoli with biggest crowds in a decade

26 April 2025

Our Heritage

Second World War veterans receive message from King Charles

25 April 2025

Our Heritage

Anzac Day Flypasts 2025

23 April 2025

Capability

New memorial to honour the fallen

22 April 2025

Our Heritage

Dunedin forum makes it easier for veterans to access support

17 April 2025

New Zealand Defence Force deepens commitment to the South East Asian region

15 April 2025

Ops & exercises

Best in show

09 April 2025

Partnering

Collaborative work at Australian airshow

08 April 2025

Partnering

Wind and wet no barrier to RNZAF and police teamwork

31 March 2025

Ops & exercises

NZDF medics prepare for ‘inevitable’ natural disaster

25 March 2025

Ops & exercises

Air Force firefighters help battle Northland fire

25 March 2025

In the community

RNZAF flight delivers much-needed medical chairs to Samoa

20 March 2025

In the community

RNZAF officer takes on Ironman six weeks and six days after breaking ankle

17 March 2025

People

Good night moon: RNZAF NH90 crews and police train near Lower Hutt

12 March 2025

Partnering

A Seasprite helicopter armed with a Penguin Missile sits on the flight deck of HMNZS Te Kaha.

Behind the Penguin Missile launch

07 March 2025

Capability

Air Force celebrates first personnel with Mataora

07 March 2025

People

Success for Security Forces at Guam exercise

05 March 2025

Ops & exercises

International strength at Base Ohakea

04 March 2025

Partnering

Building strong relationships

28 February 2025

Partnering

First RNZAF C-130H Hercules aircraft retires to Air Force Museum

19 February 2025

In the community

New Zealand Team celebrates successful Invictus Games in Canada

18 February 2025

People

A day in the life of Keno, an RNZAF Military Working Dog

17 February 2025

Capability

RNZAF squadron homecoming to Fiji

11 February 2025

Capability

RNZAF helicopter squadron wins international accolade for Gabrielle response

03 February 2025

Organisation

Hercules retirement flights added

30 January 2025

Capability

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Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa - Royal New Zealand Air Force

We provide New Zealand with responsive and effective air power to meet its national interests. We are an agile and adaptive Air Force with the versatility essential for New Zealand Defence Force operations. We have the right equipment to perform our roles: airborne surveillance and reconnaissance, combat, and air mobility. 

Learn more about what we do

We are a force of highly trained professionals.

We come from all walks of life and share a strong sense of what it means to be Kiwi - our culture is based on our values Tū Kaha (courage), Tū Tika (commitment), Tū Tira (comradeship) and Tū Maia (integrity). Together, we are Force for New Zealand and are proud to serve Aotearoa and its diverse communities.

More about our people

We operate a number of different aircraft types for both training and operations. 

Aircraft

Meet our leaders

About our structure

Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb

Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Commodore Daniel (DJ) Hunt

Air Commodore Andy Scott Air Component Commander

Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott

Warrant Officer of the Air Force, Warrant Officer Guy Lipsham

Considering a career in the Air force?

A big part of our work in the Air Force involves assisting communities affected by conflict or natural disasters. The fact that we work to protect and help people is one very good reason why we're so passionate about what we do. It gives our lives real meaning and purpose.

Find out more