NZ Army deploys second infantry rotation to the Republic of Korea to train alongside partners

For the second year running, a New Zealand Army infantry platoon has deployed to the Republic of Korea to train alongside Korean and United States forces.

06 March, 2026

This week, a platoon of 34 soldiers and a contingent headquarters left New Zealand for three months to undertake a variety of training exercises and activities as part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) long-standing commitment to supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

This is the second NZ Army infantry platoon deployment to the United Nations Command (UNC); enabling joint training with both US and Korean forces on the Peninsula.

Land Component Commander Brigadier Jason Dyhrberg said this deployment followed a hugely successful first rotation last year.

“We are operating in an ever-evolving, increasingly complex strategic environment and it is vital that we not only play our part in supporting our partner nations on overseas missions, but also ensure that our soldiers are trained to the highest standards, and get the opportunity to test themselves alongside our partners.”

The training will take place at various training areas and centres in South Korea and will include close country, littoral and urban training scenarios, including at the world-class Korea Combat Training Center.

The joint training builds on long-standing relationships between the NZ Army and their Korean and US counterparts, both of whom are vital partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

three army soldiers patrol through the high grass, bush in the background, each carrying a weapon and wearing helmets and body armour.

A US officer interacts with a New Zealand soldier, one amongst many who are standing at attention with US soldiers. Soldiers are wearing camouflage uniform.

three army soldiers aid another lying down whilst another soldier stands in the front giving instruction. The soldiers wear weapons slung on their backs amongst the grass.

“Opportunities to expose our soldiers to how some of our military peers conduct their training in world-class facilities is immensely valuable and gives our troops the opportunity to measure themselves alongside some of the world’s best,” Brigadier Dyhrberg said.

“We’re incredibly proud of our training systems here in New Zealand, but any opportunity to share and learn from the experiences of our partners is really important, which our soldiers will in turn bring back home and pass on to their comrades too. It will also enable even closer alignment and future interoperability with our soldiers being qualified and recognised as combat-ready under both US and Korean systems and standards.”

Defence Attaché to Korea, Colonel Rob Loftus, said these types of deployments also provided significant benefit above and beyond just the training, with positive impacts on the broader military and international relations.

“The NZDF has a long-standing commitment to supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and this platoon deployment clearly continues to demonstrate New Zealand’s commitment in this respect,” Colonel Loftus said.

“This second infantry platoon rotation also comes over a period of significant cultural and commemorative activities in relation to the Korean War. The 75^th anniversary of the Battle of Kap’yong in April carries huge significance for the New Zealand Army particularly. The platoon also plans to take the opportunity to pay their respects to the fallen at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea in Busan whilst here.”

Australian Army Lieutenant General Scott Winter, UNC Deputy Commander, said the arrival of New Zealand’s second combat platoon to the Korean Peninsula was “a powerful affirmation that what matters most is not the size of the force, but the will behind it”.

"When a nation sends its sons and daughters to stand alongside Republic of Korea, US, and UNC forces, it sends a message of resolve that no adversary can misread. Seventy-five years of partnership has shown us that the defence of the Republic of Korea is not a bilateral obligation, but a shared responsibility. New Zealand's commitment reinforces the multinational fabric of this command.

"We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our New Zealand partners once again and welcome this platoon for a valuable opportunity to enhance our interoperability and collective regional security."

The latest deployment builds on the legacy started when New Zealand contributed both naval and ground forces in support of UNC during the Korean War in the early 1950s. More than 6000 New Zealanders served during the War.

The platoon will remain on the Korean Peninsula until early June.