NZDF contributes to multinational activities in the Indo-Pacific region

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is deploying naval and air assets, and personnel, on joint operations, exercises and engagements throughout the Indo-Pacific from August to October, as part of its commitment to regional security.

17 August, 2026

Fresh from exercising advanced capabilities during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), the Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana will turn its attention towards maritime security patrols in North Asia monitoring for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions breaches and evasions as part of a combined effort with partners.

New Zealand has been a member of the Pacific Security Maritime Exchange (PSMX) since 2018, a partnership of nations working together to detect evasions of UNSC sanctions which are aimed at curbing North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The NZDF regularly deploys both air and naval assets to the region in support of PSMX patrols.

“In 2026, this support to monitor and report evasions of the UNSC resolutions imposing sanctions on North Korea continues,’’ said Commander Joint Forces, Major General Rob Krushka.

Te Mana and Aotearoa have been sailing as a Royal New Zealand Navy Task Group that will continue to contribute to regional activities at sea alongside Indo-Pacific partners.

This is the first time the Anzac-class frigate Te Mana has deployed in support of UNSC sanctions monitoring. Aotearoa will be in the area and will undertake sustainment activities for Te Mana and partner nations’ vessels. The ships have SH-2G(I) Seasprite helicopters on board to support the suite of upcoming Indo-Pacific activities.

A RNZAF P-8A Poseidon in flight in front of clouds. A red beacon lights the underneath of the aircraft as the landing gear is deployed.

While deployed in the Indo-Pacific, the Task Group will support activities including an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) maritime cooperative activity, as well as a range of port calls including Australia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea.

The NZDF will also deploy personnel and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to conduct multinational exercises in the region.

This includes deploying the Poseidon to the Five Power Defence Arrangements’ Exercise Bersama Lima, which this year is being held in Singapore.

New Zealand is committed to further practical military cooperation throughout the region, alongside ASEAN partners.

To this end, the NZDF will also contribute personnel and specialist capabilities to a multinational ASEAN exercise held in Indonesia, in support of regional humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness.

Major General Krushka said New Zealand was committed to working alongside partners on monitoring and enforcement operations, upholding the international rules-based system and contributing to regional stability and security through its series of exercises, engagements and operations.

All NZDF activities are conducted in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.