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 NH90s complete longest flights over water

12 September 2025

Ops & exercises

Three people push a trolley full of cargo in front of a large grey aircraft.

NZDF delivers essential items to remote PNG areas

11 September 2025

Partnerships

Air Cadets get glimpse into the future at Exercise Wise Owl

10 September 2025

In the community

NZ Army personnel wearing orange high visibility shirts carry out construction work under blue skies.

NZDF to lead multi-national engineering team in Cook Islands

09 September 2025

Ops & exercises

A woman with a traditional tattoo on her forearm stands with arms crossed while wearing military uniform. She smiles as she looks into the distance in front of a large grey building with words that are blurred out on the side.

Wairoa woman takes RNZAF chance as teen, now to help rangatahi find their purpose

09 September 2025

People

Personnel cross the tarmac in front of the RNZAF Boeing 757 and enter via the side stairs in Fiji, on route to Papua New Guinea.

RNZAF helps bring Pacific music to PNG’s 50th celebrations

09 September 2025

Partnerships

Children in Papua New Guinea pose for the camera while their families are in the background by trees.

NZDF supports PNG’s independence celebrations

05 September 2025

Partnerships

Promotion just one highlight of Guam deployment for Manawatū aviator

22 August 2025

People

Government underscores ‘combat capable’ fleet in decision on Defence helicopter and plane

21 August 2025

Capability

C-130J Hercules simulator arrives at RNZAF Base Auckland

20 August 2025

Capability

Two people in the flight deck of an aircraft, looking out the window. One of them is touching something on the panels.

RNZAF deploys King Air to Fiji for international surveillance work for first time

19 August 2025

Ops & exercises

Training with NZ Police in the CBD

18 August 2025

Ops & exercises

A crowd of people seated in a large aircraft hangar.

RNZAF’s Te Whare Toroa - The Home of the Albatross – officially opens

15 August 2025

Capability

Massive tick for partnership as large-scale military exercise wraps up

08 August 2025

Ops & exercises

An aviator from the Royal New Zealand Air Force looks to the stars while wearing a camouflage jacket and a cap that has the letters 'RNZAF' on the back.

Look to the stars

07 August 2025

Capability

International exercise in Guam tests RNZAF air mobility, aero-medical skills

06 August 2025

Ops & exercises

RNZAF carries out mid-winter medical evacuation from Antarctica

06 August 2025

Life in service

RNZAF pilots pinpoint jumping areas with parachuting app

30 July 2025

Capability

NZ Army combat-ready infantry platoon deploys to the Republic of Korea

28 July 2025

Ops & exercises

RNZAF tech and intelligence teams hit the field

25 July 2025

Ops & exercises

A uniformed aviator stands in front of a NH90 helicopter, looking and smiling at the camera, hands together.

RNZAF loadmaster logs 5000 hours of ‘best office view in the world’

23 July 2025

People

HMNZS Canterbury delivers leading-edge technology to support regional security tasks in Fiji

18 July 2025

Ops & exercises

RNZAF Poseidon aircraft guides ship to rescue three sailors north of New Zealand

18 July 2025

Ops & exercises

Air Force deploys to international exercise

17 July 2025

Ops & exercises

NZDF support to Nelson/Tasman region

15 July 2025

In the community

Exercise Talisman Sabre gets underway

14 July 2025

Ops & exercises

RNZAF P-8A in the Pacific

11 July 2025

Partnerships

An aviator stands in uniform looking away from the camera.

New leadership at RNZAF Base Auckland

11 July 2025

People

A Kelpie dog sits on a rock in front of the sky, beneath the dog in the background are mountain tops and clouds.

RNZAF helicopter crew rescues Tararua tramper and his dog

09 July 2025

In the community

Support to Middle East region

07 July 2025

Story Collection

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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