About Defence Science and Technology

DST provides specialist defence science and technology outputs through a focussed set of programmes that aim to underpin the NZDF’s ability to succeed in NZ’s immediate areas; manoeuvre within sub-threshold environments; and operate credibly in increasingly contested and congested environments. 

We enable the performance and protection of the NZDF’s people, systems, and platforms through the timely exploitation of our threat-informed scientific and technological knowledge, expertise, and networks. 

We future-proof the NZDF by understanding, exploring, exploiting and leveraging scientific and technological advances.  

We utilise depth, expertise and continuity of military science and technology knowledge fostered over decades of FVEY partner engagement and collaboration.  

We extend our expertise and scale by co-developing work with wider ecosystem partners including industry, academia, the government science and innovation sector, and international partners.

We are a proven national asset, delivering Defence and security research and knowledge to the New Zealand Government for 70 years. 

Our people are world-class, connecting across the New Zealand Government, academia, research institutes, industry, and internationally.