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

HMNZS Canterbury sailing into port in Lautoka, Fiji.

HMNZS Canterbury arrives in Lautoka for Operation Mahi Tahi

21 March 2023

Media Release

Fuel specialists keep rotors spinning

21 March 2023

In the community

Three aviators in camouflage uniform each stand with one food on a pink Flamingo electric scooter. They stand in front of a fence on the outskirts of Base Ohakea with a plane, tarmac and hangers in the background.

Flying Flamingos: Base Ohakea trials free e-scooter scheme

20 March 2023

Media Release

RNZAF has key role in international aviation safety award win

13 March 2023

Organisation

A Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757-2K2 aircraft flies over the ocean but in the frame you can also see parts of land.

Air Force matches best practice in the world

07 March 2023

Media Release

RNZAF clocks up marathon flying effort during Cyclone Gabrielle response

07 March 2023

Media Release

A forklift loads supplies into the rear drop-down door of the RAAF C-27 Spartan at Base Auckland.

Nothing Spartan about Australia’s aid

07 March 2023

Ops & exercises

C-130 Hercules on its way

05 March 2023

Organisation

A wharf and buildings framed by trees stick out into Wellington harbour. Clouds and blue sky reflect on the calm water.

Formerly known as HMNZS Cook

03 March 2023

Our Heritage

Distinguished service honoured

03 March 2023

People

Squadron Anthony Leader Rose sitting inside the cockpit of a Texan aircraft

Invercargill man soars above old stomping grounds as Black Falcon

02 March 2023

People

RNZAF Hercules aircraft at Napier airport loading supplies and generators for Gisborne.

Hercules crews sustain cyclone-hit regions

01 March 2023

In the community

A grey Seasprite helicopter flies in front of forest covered hills, the rotors are blurred slightly and the landing gear is down.

Taking in the damage

01 March 2023

Ops & exercises

NZ Army proving routes and supplying communities

28 February 2023

In the community

No. 3 Squadron delivers aid and electrical workers to boost Northland communities

Air Force delivers aid and electrical workers to boost Northland communities

22 February 2023

In the community

A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter crewman passes supplies to an Aropaoanui resident.

Defence Force increases support to disaster regions

19 February 2023

Media Release

A rear-side view of the grey C-130 Hercules aircraft, with landing gear up shortly after taking off from Christchurch Airport. The clouds in the background are very textured and broken with a soft light glowing the edges.

Air Force connects cut-off communities

17 February 2023

In the community

Hundreds rescued from Hastings area

15 February 2023

In the community

NZDF continues to support preparations ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle

12 February 2023

In the community

NZDF deploys specialist team and clean-up parties as Cyclone Gabrielle approaches

10 February 2023

Media Release

The grey C-130H Hercules aircraft flies over Auckland Harbour with the Auckland Harbour Bridge and SkyTower in the background.

Retirement begins for fleet workhorse

10 February 2023

Capability

The New Zealand Conservation Dog Programme returning to HMNZS Canterbury via Seasprite helicopter after undertaking rodent detection on Rangitāhua /Raoul Island.

NZDF supports conservation, scientific, cultural effort on offshore islands

09 February 2023

Media Release

The Black Falcons take to the air during a 2022 display - five aircraft are in formation.

RNZAF aerobatic team Black Falcons to perform over Dunedin, Christchurch and Kaikōura

07 February 2023

Media Release

View of Auckland floods from a Seasprite Helicopter

NZDF support to the Auckland flood response

02 February 2023

In the community

Final two retiring P-3K2 Orions to be delivered to Base Woodbourne after South Island tour

30 January 2023

Media Release

Hercules aircraft on the wet, reflective tarmac of Whenuapai Air Force Base.

Defence Force aids Auckland in flood emergency

28 January 2023

In the community

The Royal New Zealand Boeing 757 on the snow runway in Antarctica

Our history: Decades of flying to the ice

27 January 2023

Capability

Five small planes fly in a cross formation while releasing smoke as a part of a flight display.

Royal New Zealand Air Force’s aerobatic team Black Falcons take flight

25 January 2023

Media Release

Three grey Orion aircraft fly in a 'V' formation over suburbia, with rolling hills, clouds and a slither of blue sky in the background.

RNZAF farewells P-3K2 Orion fleet with formation flight after more than 55 years’ service

24 January 2023

Media Release

The Operation Protect patch, worn on a uniform

NZDF personnel recognised for their contribution to the Government’s COVID-19 Response

20 January 2023

Organisation

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We are the Royal New Zealand Air Force – Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa

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. As such, we are a modern and dynamic part of the Defence Force. We’ve got the right equipment to perform our primary 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 used for both training and operations.

Aircraft

Meet our leaders

About our structure

Air Vice-Marshal Andrew Clark

Chief of Air Force

Air Commodore Ian Mower

Deputy Chief of Air Force

Air Commodore Shaun Sexton

Air Component Commander

Warrant Officer Kerry Williams

Warrant Officer of the Air Force

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