NZ and US Army leaders strengthen strategic partnership

Over the course of the senior leaders’ and their delegations meeting in Wellington, as well as a visit to the NZ Army’s training and cultural home in Waiouru, the deepening defence relationship was reflected between both countries, rooted in shared democratic values and more than a century of military cooperation dating back to the First World War.

“Our armies have stood side by side in every major conflict of the past century,” said General Clark.

“Today, that legacy continues as we build the integrated landpower network required to meet today’s challenges and preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific.”

The meeting underscored not only the historical depth of the US–New Zealand Army partnership, but also the shared commitment to preparing our forces for the challenges of a rapidly evolving regional security environment.

“New Zealand values its close and enduring relationship with the US Army. Our cooperation is not just historical - it’s operational, forward-looking, and grounded in trust,” said Major General Rose King.

“Together, we are preparing our forces to meet shared challenges across the region with agility, adaptability and purpose.”

Discussions focused on building further interoperability, advancing combined readiness initiatives, and the US Army’s recent transformation efforts. The leaders emphasised the critical role both armies play in shaping a free and open Indo-Pacific, especially as the region faces evolving threats and strategic competition.

The meeting occurred as both nations’ armies participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, where close to 700 New Zealand Defence Force troops are training alongside US, Australian, and other allied forces. The exercise is demonstrating growing interoperability across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains.

Major General King highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining a modern, combat-ready force capable of deploying globally and regionally. The New Zealand Army - 4,200 active and 2,000 reserve soldiers strong – regularly integrates seamlessly with allied partners across combined missions and operations, supports United Nations peacekeeping operations and delivers humanitarian assistance across the Pacific when called upon.

“We know that we can’t contribute mass and scale, but we pride ourselves on the quality of our soldiers and our leaders, who regularly deploy to, and add significant value to multinational deployments and operations,” Major General King said.

“To that end, it’s been great to be able to share some insight with General Clark and his team around how we go about training our people.”

Under the New Zealand Government’s Defence Capability Plan, the NZ Army is pursuing upgrades to its Javelin anti-tank missile system, investing in a Network Enabled Army to improve its digital communications and command-and-control interoperability, and plans the replacement of aging vehicle fleets to enhance mobility and sustainment in the field.

“New Zealand is a stalwart partner in the Pacific,” said General Clark.

“Whether in exercises like Talisman Sabre or standing shoulder to shoulder in peacekeeping operations, our soldiers share trust built on action, not just words.”

This sentiment was echoed by Major General King, who emphasised the operational value of combined training and the practical steps both armies are taking to improve regional preparedness.

“Participating in Talisman Sabre alongside US and Australian forces showcases our commitment to operational readiness and deepening interoperability,” said Major General King.

“These exercises strengthen our collective capability to respond quickly and effectively in the region—whether in conflict, crisis, or humanitarian need.”

Both generals acknowledged the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands region and affirmed our roles in promoting regional security, development, and sovereignty.

This visit underscored the enduring strength of the US–New Zealand partnership - one forged in the trenches of the First World War, battle-tested in the Pacific during the Second World War, and reaffirmed today through shared purpose and mutual respect.