Support to Middle East region

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is working with Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) on support to those in the region.

Defence Public Affairs - Media Team

+64 21 487 980 media@nzdf.mil.nz

The Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules has returned from the Middle East.

As regular commercial flights resumed in Israel and were starting to become available from Iran, the New Zealand Defence Force began to draw down the contingent in the region.

The aircraft and NZDF personnel were deployed as part of contingency plans to support New Zealand’s consular efforts.

The aircraft was positioned in the Middle East region to provide an alternative means of evacuation for New Zealanders but was not required.

Other personnel deployed to support New Zealand’s consular efforts have also returned to New Zealand.

The NZDF always stands ready to assist other government agencies and help keep New Zealanders safe and secure. We are proud of our personnel for deploying at short notice and being ready to respond, in case they were needed to assist New Zealanders in leaving Israel and Iran.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft remains in the Middle East, however regular commercial flights have now resumed in Israel and are starting to become available from Iran which means we are beginning to draw down the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent currently in the region.

In just a few days, members of the High Readiness Platoon Group went from conducting close-country exercises on the West Coast to being deployed to the Middle East. Hear from one of the section commanders.

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Our Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules aircraft that departed Auckland on Monday has arrived in the Middle East as part of New Zealand’s contingency plans in preparation for supporting New Zealanders seeking to leave Iran and Israel.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules has departed Base Auckland at Whenuapai this morning, bound for the Middle East, while other members of the NZDF contingent are also beginning to deploy to the region.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) stands ready to assist if the New Zealand Government requires options assisting people stranded in Iran and Israel. NZDF personnel and a C-130J Hercules aircraft are deploying to the Middle East on Monday, 23 June.

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