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

RNZAF carries out surveillance work for Vanuatu agencies and FFA

20 October 2026

Ops & exercises

Purchase of maritime helicopters confirmed

16 October 2026

Capability

RNZAF NH90 helicopter crew find missing teenager

15 October 2026

Ops & exercises

Every operational squadron flying as Royal New Zealand Air Force operations continue to pace

14 October 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF’s Ex Tropic Twilight concludes on remote Penrhyn

13 October 2026

Ops & exercises

RNZAF photographer flying high after air-to-air mission

12 October 2026

People

RNZAF C-130J Hercules delivers fire truck and FENZ crew to Niue

10 October 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF contributes to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise in Indonesia

30 September 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF names team for 2027 Invictus Games

28 September 2026

People

RNZAF P-8A crew finds four sailors after yacht hits whale

27 September 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF space security contribution renewed

25 September 2026

Ops & exercises

Two people co-sign a document between the Australian and New Zealand flags with a large bright window behind them.

New Zealand and Australia strengthen defence science cooperation

25 September 2026

Science and Technology

Royal New Zealand Navy frigate completes UN sanctions monitoring patrols

23 September 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF arrives in northern Cook Islands for construction, health and hydrography tasks

17 September 2026

Ops & exercises

Eastbound in a fast jet: Rotorua Skyhawk pilot returns to home skies in RAAF F-35A

15 September 2026

People

Two RAAF F-35As conducting intercept training with an RNZAF P-8A Poseidon - the aircraft are flying over water.

RNZAF proves ability to support hi-tech partners during F-35 exercise

11 September 2026

Ops & exercises

New Zealand Defence Force signs logistics arrangement with German Armed Forces

10 September 2026

Partnerships

RNZAF aircrew join major multinational maritime exercise

09 September 2026

Ops & exercises

Royal Australian Air Force F-35A flying schedule

08 September 2026

Ops & exercises

RNZAF NH90 helicopter reaches global milestone

07 September 2026

Capability

Ohakea to host Australian F-35A jets on joint training visit

04 September 2026

Ops & exercises

RNZAF and USAF firefighting vehicles conduct training on a fuselage

Deploying military fire capability makes teams stronger than steel

04 September 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF teams with Customs to monitor Pacific regions

03 September 2026

Partnerships

A planning meeting with people in various uniforms looking at a map on tiled flooring in a small room

New Zealand to help Kiribati dispose of WWII munitions

02 September 2026

Partnerships

New Zealand, Australian militaries move to formalise defence collaboration on space

01 September 2026

Science and Technology

Memorial headstones recognise Niuean First World War servicemen

27 August 2026

Partnerships

Dream comes true RNZAF trainee pilot

24 August 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF contributes to multinational activities in the Indo-Pacific region

17 August 2026

Ops & exercises

NZDF Invictus Games hopefuls trial for a spot in the 2027 team

14 August 2026

People

A nine-person family photo in front of a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft.

Three Generations Unite at Exercise Pitch Black 2026 to Honour Air Commodore Arthur Percy Gainsford

14 August 2026

People

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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