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

NZDF statement in response to China’s claims regarding P-8A aircraft flight

18 April 2026

Organisation

RNZAF Black Falcons 2026

10 February 2025

In the community

NZDF assists Bougainville in destruction of WWII-era bombs

30 April 2026

Ops & exercises

UN sanctions monitoring patrols observe vessels of interest, possible ship-to-ship transfer

28 April 2026

Ops & exercises

Rare Gallipoli headstone a rallying call for NZDF contingent

26 April 2026

Our Heritage

Successful Antarctica medical evacuation flight during final sunset

25 April 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF marks Anzac Day with conflict anniversaries front of mind

25 April 2026

Our Heritage

Anzac Day a timely reminder about support for veterans

20 April 2026

In the community

Pacific co-operation: New Zealand Defence Force and Papua New Guinea

16 April 2026

Ops & exercises

Anzac Day

16 April 2026

Our Heritage

A male wearing an Air Force light blue shirt and a blue cap stands outside of a building with the words 'Command and Recruit Training Squadron'

Cambridge firefighter joins Royal New Zealand Air Force to provide military security

15 April 2026

People

Wellington born RNZAF helicopter loadmaster combines love of flying with action

09 April 2026

People

Waverley Royal New Zealand Air Force graduate re-joins to train in critical care

08 April 2026

People

Auckland Royal New Zealand Air Force graduate to shape a safer future keeping aircraft mission-ready

08 April 2026

People

Stars align for RNZAF Space Squadron during historic Artemis II flight

07 April 2026

Ops & exercises

Dedicated doctor receives prestigious Defence Health award

01 April 2026

People

NZ Special Service Medal – Ukraine

31 March 2026

Our Heritage

Greymouth aviator helps keep multi-national Air Force exercise moving

31 March 2026

People

RNZAF, Australian and US C-130J Hercules crews train together in South Island exercise

24 March 2026

Ops & exercises

Middle East deployment 2026

20 March 2026

Story Collection

An Air Force pilot adjusts his helmet eye protection as he sits in the cockpit of a small aircraft.

RNZAF pilots sharpen skills during Exercise Wise Owl above Marlborough

18 March 2026

Ops & exercises

RNZAF working hand-in-hand with Australian counterparts

17 March 2026

Ops & exercises

Flying dream comes true for Upper Hutt pilot

16 March 2026

People

A formation of five aircraft fly high in the blue sky above the sea and land below.

RNZAF Black Falcons North Island tour this weekend cancelled

13 March 2026

Capability

RNZAF Black Falcons

12 March 2026

Story Collection

Royal New Zealand Air Force Black Falcons aerobatic team to tour upper North Island

12 March 2026

In the community

Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman veteran support event makes it easier to access services

11 March 2026

In the community

Royal New Zealand Air Force joins anti-submarine warfare exercise in Guam

10 March 2026

Ops & exercises

An “honour and privilege” to perform at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

10 March 2026

Partnerships

Inside the new C-130J Hercules simulator, which is designed to replicate the cockpit and flight environment with high realism

C-130J Simulator nears next development milestone

02 March 2026

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 Peter Gibson

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