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

Our personnel in formation march in full gear in the Malaysian Jungle.

Support to Ukraine

12 May 2023

Story Collection

Response to Cyclone Gabrielle

02 May 2023

Story Collection

Squadron Leader George McInnes and Group Captain Glenn Gowthorpe from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, along with Lieutenant Colonel Vanessa Ropitini from the New Zealand Army, have today received the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD).

Three Defence Force personnel recognised in King’s Birthday honours

05 June 2023

People

Light Armoured Vehicles lined up in the Waiouru Military Training Area

Protected Mobility Capability Project

01 June 2023

Story Collection

Māori Cultural Advisor (Air) Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Brad Anderson

Attesting in te reo Māori

01 June 2023

Our Heritage

Invictus Games 2023

01 June 2023

Story Collection

A firefighter with a red hose pipe over his shoulders runs towards a wooden shutter door on a red metal frame during the Firefighter Challenge in Wellington.

NZDF firefighters too hot for the competition

29 May 2023

People

Third P-8A arrives

25 May 2023

Capability

Art on our Arms

24 May 2023

Our Heritage

Double success on one mission earns RNZAF squadron Search and Rescue award

17 May 2023

Life in Service

Eleven ship formation of the Air Force's Texan aircraft on a nice day blue sky day.

Rare formation shows pilots' skills

15 May 2023

Capability

A day in the life of an Air Force firefighter

15 May 2023

Life in Service

A dog’s world

12 May 2023

Life in Service

Introducing the C130J

12 May 2023

Story Collection

History-making moment for NZDF Contingent marching in coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

07 May 2023

Organisation

Personnel march in London at King Charles’ Coronation

03 May 2023

People

From Auckland to Düsseldorf

27 April 2023

People

Tonga Response

26 April 2023

Story Collection

A soldier standing during Anzac Day commemoration.

NZDF marks Anzac Day at home and around the world

25 April 2023

Media Release

Our personnel reflect on their Gallipoli Journey

24 April 2023

Our Heritage

Moving ceremony commemorates Maori Pah site at Gallipoli

24 April 2023

Our Heritage

Anzac Day Flypasts 2023

24 April 2023

In the community

NZDF prepares team for Invictus Games

21 April 2023

People

A man conducts a Taekwon-Do jumping kick while wearing a the white Taekwon-Do uniform and a black belt.

Air Force black belt goes for gold

17 April 2023

People

Air Force’s new simulator install versus COVID-19

14 April 2023

Capability

Operation Solomon Islands Assistance

13 April 2023

Story Collection

Personnel from a variety of militaries sit for a large group photo in a covered outdoor area. All personnel are wearing the uniform of their military and most of these are a camouflage green.

Wargames in South Korea

12 April 2023

Ops & exercises

Air Force's Black Falcons to salute areas hard-hit by Gabrielle

11 April 2023

In the community

NZDF research reveals thousands of Second World War campaign medals were never claimed by veterans

07 April 2023

Media Release

A front-on view of the RNZAF P-8A Poseidon on the tarmac in Fiji under broken clouds. In the background is the Fiji Airways hangar and a hills covered in forest.

RNZAF Poseidon starts trial flights in Fiji, continues Fijian connection

05 April 2023

Media Release

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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