Supporting Operational Success
Our Science
DST provides specialist defence science and technology outputs through a focussed set of programmes.
Sensing and Intelligence
The application of AI for intelligence and data collection
This consists of work involving the application of AI for intelligence & data collection including understanding and exploiting artificial intelligence, the automation of tools and the detection of patterns, faster data analysis and enhanced cueing of assets to operators.
Cyber and Electromagnetic Warfare
Cyber defence and radio frequency systems
This area includes research into cyber defence and radio frequency systems and considers the exploration of cyber resilience, awareness & protection, novel radio frequency sensing and resilient communications alternatives.
Concepts, Strategy and Analytics
Research to inform decisions, planning and policy
Our research is used to inform NZDF decisions, planning and policy. We use analytical methods to enhance strategic decision making and analyse emerging and disruptive technology.
Human Sciences
Understanding our people: cognitive and physical performance
Our research focuses on the understanding of our people's cognitive and physical performance. This research considers integration with emerging technological systems and how to increase survivability in high-risk environments.
Climate Intelligence
Supporting the NZDF through a changing climate
Supporting the NZDF through a changing climate and understanding the ability of NZDF to respond, adapt to decrease operational risks and be complient with legislation and regulation.
Air Warfare
Advancing the protection of NZDF aircraft
We conduct research related to advancing the production of NZDF aircraft. We do this through the assurance of aircraft self-protection systems, informed procurement, through-life support and reduced combat risk for operations.
Maritime Warfare
Tactics and technology to protect our sailors and ships
Research consists of tactics and technology to protect our sailors and ships by fully realising our ship’s self-protection systems. Our research also includes advanced sensors, effectors and autonomous systems.
Land Warfare
Maximise the safety and effectiveness of our soldiers
Our research is used to maximise the safety and effectiveness of our soldiers through armour and protection systems, the detection of and protection from chem and bio threats and signature management of people and platforms.
Autonomous Systems
Harnessing the potential of autonomous systems
Our research centers around harnessing the potential of autonomous systems with the aim to accelerate Government and NZDF adoption, generate knowledge to support acquisition and counter autonomous threats.
Space and Navigation Warfare
NZDF’s research pathway to space domain operations
This includes NZDF’s research pathway to space domain operations. Our focus centers around the surveillance of space activities, space domain interoperability and the resilience of NZDF navigation and timing services.