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 Support to Weather Events

11 February 2026

Story Collection

RNZAF Black Falcons 2026

10 February 2025

In the community

A woman dressed in a dark blue rain jacket and cap stands in front of a Navy Flag on board a Navy Ship.

Papakura teacher inspired by Navy and Air Force experience

11 February 2026

People

A woman stands on the tarmac smiling at the camera, her blond ponytail blowing in the wind while she wears a green flying suit with the New Zealand patch on her left arm. A large grey aircraft is behind her, the ramp is down and the New Zealand Kiwi is o

Hastings teacher brings back inspiration after ‘incredible experience’ at Defence Force camp

10 February 2026

People

A military pilot smiles broadly whilst wearing a black flying suit. He stands in front of a small black aircraft with one hand on his hip and the other holding his helmet.

Canterbury pilot follows his dreams with RNZAF Black Falcons

10 February 2026

People

A brown haired woman with glasses, wearing a green military flying suit, looks into the camera whilst standing on board a large military aircraft. Beside her is a military female holding a phone taking a photo of the scene behind - the open door of the a

Wānaka teacher gets hands-on at New Zealand Defence Force camp

10 February 2026

People

A blonde haired, middle aged man stands in front of two large grey naval ships. He wears a navy blue under armour polo shirt and stands casually with his arms behind his back. Behind him the New Zealand flag flies prominently on the bow of the closer shi

Rangiora teacher gets hands-on Navy and Air Force experience to pass on to students

10 February 2026

People

A male stands with his arms clasped in front of him, he is wearing a casual grey hoodie and jeans and a lanyard with his sunglasses on his head. He stands aboard a military naval ship and behind him is another grey ship alongside the wharf with glimpses o

Invercargill teacher brings back inspiration for students after 10-out-of-10 experience at Defence Force camp

10 February 2026

People

75 years on – Anzac relationship strengthens as strategic environment evolves

05 February 2026

Partnerships

A bulldozer sits atop mud as it pushes a pile of tree debris to the side. Several workers wearing high vis safety gear work in the background.

NZDF response efforts in Te Araroa and Hicks Bay have provided critical support

04 February 2026

In the community

‘Career barrel roll’: First Navy pilot joins RNZAF aerobatic Black Falcons team

03 February 2026

People

A line of personnel in military uniform, some with backpacks, walk across the tarmac at an airport towards a large grey military aircraft as they prepare to be deployed.

New Zealand Defence Force assisting recovery efforts on East Coast

29 January 2026

In the community

A large grey helicopter has it's rotor blades spinning during night time hours whilst stationery on a field.

Complex rescue operation a success for helicopter aircrew

22 January 2026

Ops & exercises

Peter Gibson makes his way onto the Turangawaewae wearing a korowai. He is being lead onto the marae by a toa (warrior) who is welding a taiaha (wooden staff)

New Deputy Chief of Air Force and Ohakea Air Force Base Commander take up posts

22 January 2026

People

RNZAF NH90 helicopter and crew assist in rescue of 35 people

17 January 2026

In the community

Spitfire joins RNZAF’s Black Falcons aerobatic team in rare display flight over Whanganui this Sunday

15 January 2026

In the community

RNZAF Poseidon crew turn training flight into ‘yellow flash’ rescue

15 January 2026

In the community

RNZAF Black Falcons

12 January 2026

Story Collection

RNZAF Black Falcons aerobatic team begin display flying season

12 January 2026

Capability

New Zealand’s Chief of Defence Force observes Search and Rescue near Tokelau, and Pacific patrol near Cook Islands

19 December 2025

Ops & exercises

Nelson aviator keen to make a difference with Air Force career

18 December 2025

People

Father and daughter duo navigate pilot training

17 December 2025

People

Nelson local honoured for life-saving actions overseas

16 December 2025

People

YEAR IN REVIEW

16 December 2025

Organisation

Photographer Moments

12 December 2025

Life in service

Conflict zone training success for P-8A Poseidon crews

12 December 2025

Ops & exercises

RNZAF Base Auckland exercise tests ‘NZ Inc’ ability to launch Pacific disaster response

11 December 2025

Ops & exercises

NZDF bolsters North Korea sanctions enforcement with HMNZS Aotearoa and P-8A Poseidon

08 December 2025

Ops & exercises

Blenheim aviator combines passion for firefighting with military service

04 December 2025

People

Registration opens for 2026 Gallipoli services in Türkiye

03 December 2025

Our Heritage

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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