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Combined Task Force 150

Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) is one of five operational task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in Bahrain and is focussed on maritime security in the Middle East region, in particular the disruption of drug smuggling operations.

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2 May 2025

Watch: HMNZS Te Kaha boarding operations

Once vessels of interest have been identified, HMNZS Te Kaha's highly trained boarding teams are tasked with accessing, searching and seizing illicit cargoes.

Once vessels of interest have been identified, HMNZS Te Kaha's highly trained boarding teams are tasked with accessing, searching and seizing illicit cargoes.

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Boarding operations in the Middle East | Royal New Zealand Navy

10 April 2025

HMNZS Te Kaha gets to work in the Indian Ocean alongside naval partners

Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha has begun its anti-smuggling work in the Indian Ocean as part of the New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) in the Middle East.

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3 April 2025

Indian and New Zealand navies involved in $181m drug bust in Indian Ocean

The New Zealand-led naval task force in the Indian Ocean continues to seize hauls of illegal drugs with an Indian Navy frigate the latest to intercept smugglers, recovering more...

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25 March 2025

New Zealand-led task force continues to disrupt illegal narcotics smugglers in the Middle East

The New Zealand-led Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) has made another successful drug bust off the coast of Oman.

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14 March 2025

New Zealand-led task force makes $NZ332-million drug bust in the Middle East

A New Zealand-led multi-national maritime task force has made its second drug bust of the year, seizing 318kg of heroin and 83kg of methamphetamine in the Middle East with a str...

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7 March 2025

Behind the Penguin Missile launch

In a world-first a Seasprite helicopter has launched a Penguin anti-ship guided missile. And, as expected, it was right on target.

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4 March 2025

CTF 150 staff Visit Boarding Search and Seizure (VBSS) training

Combined Task Force 150 (CTF 150) staff conduct training to build their knowledge and skills as they continue to combat illegal drug smuggling activities in the Middle East region. Headquarters staff from New Zealand, India, Singapore and Canada undertook visit boarding, search and seizure (VBSS) training with the United States Coast Guard in order to appreciate the boarding process and to build team work.

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12 February 2025

Royal New Zealand Navy frigate sails to disrupt terrorist, criminal, activities in Middle East

Denying terrorist and criminal organisations the funds to conduct illicit activities will be the primary aim of HMNZS Te Kaha, which sailed from Devonport Naval Base today for t...

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11 February 2025

NZ-led naval taskforce in Middle East makes first drug bust of year

A New Zealand-led naval task force in the Middle East has made its first drug bust of the year.

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16 January 2025

New Zealand takes command of international task force disrupting drug smuggling in the Middle East

A senior Royal New Zealand Navy officer will lead international naval efforts against drug smuggling in the Middle East, where New Zealand will also contribute a frigate later i...

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17 December 2024

New Zealand to lead maritime drug interception team in Middle East and Indian Ocean

New Zealand is delivering a triple punch in the fight against narcotic smuggling in the Indian Ocean next year by taking command of an international task force and deploying a f...

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