Commander US Space Command visits New Zealand

This week the Commander US Space Command General Stephen Whiting had a whirlwind visit to New Zealand, speaking with senior military leaders and meeting New Zealand Defence Force Space Operations personnel.

27 June, 2025

General Whiting held talks with a number of people including Minister for Space Judith Collins, Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies and Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb.

They spoke about how the importance of Space continues to rise for both nations, the increase of threats in the domain and the importance of partnerships.

“We believe we are better when operating together and we have a long tradition and history of operating with our Kiwi allies and friends and we are excited about the steps we are taking forward in Space,” General Whiting said.

In addition to his role leading USSPACECOM, General Whiting is dual-hatted as the commander of Multinational Force – Operation Olympic Defender, which New Zealand accepted an invitation to join in 2024. The US-led multinational space initiative is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, and deter hostile actions in space.

General Whiting also visited Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland ahead of the launch of the Air Force’s No. 62 Squadron, which will implement New Zealand Defence Force Space Operations. He was welcomed with a Quarter Guard, haka and pōwhiri, before discussions with the squadron.

Uniformed personnel stand in a room talking. There are screens on the wall.

General Stephen Whiting visits RNZAF Base Auckland ahead of the launch of No. 62 Squadron, which will implement New Zealand Defence Force Space Operations.