New Zealand’s Defence Force is putting its latest gear to the test during the huge war games in Australia.
But it’s not just about hardware. The people behind the tech are proving Kiwis can hold their own on the global stage.
The Vector Scorpion drone, new modular body armour, and upgraded Bushmaster vehicles are just some of the tools transforming how New Zealand soldiers operate, and they’re all being tested in real-time during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.
The multinational military exercise, hosted by Australia and the United States, involves 19 countries and nearly 40,000 personnel, including around 700 Kiwis. And for Combat Team Wolfpack, it’s a chance to showcase capability, interoperability, and character.
“In terms of helping our boys and finding the enemy so we can drop effective fires on them,” said Gunner Hetekia Te Ua, describing the role of the Vector Scorpion drone.
The drone is being used to identify targets with thermal imaging and infrared capability, and can take off and land vertically without assistance.
“This is a new, as you mentioned, a new piece of equipment. We employed it heavily on Diamond Strike. I think we did 21 flight missions, and it’s a pretty significant force enabler for the combat team,” said Major Dave Morton.
“It can look at ISR intelligence, civilians, reconnaissance and deep in order to find targets, look at areas of interest… It’s very versatile and reliable.
“Layering it with other nations’ drones and different layers, you know, you got your lights, medium to your heavies. It just adds another platform of layering and effects,” he added.
Smarter armour, better protection
For frontline soldiers, the rollout of new personal protection armour has been a game-changer.
“The helmet is brand new. It’s a big step up from our last system,” explained Lieutenant Ali Abbrari.
“One of the biggest things… is we have a fold-away communication system, which can interface with our vehicles and with our radios. It’s also fully modular… much lighter, makes it a lot more breathable and easier for us to move and manoeuvre where we need to.
“It’s good to see that our army’s slowly moving into this kind of environment, getting up to speed with everyone else, and outfitting our soldiers with the best equipment that’s possible.”
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Inside the Wolfpack
Combat Team Wolfpack is made up of nearly 200 personnel, drawn from multiple NZDF units including Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles, logistics, armourers, engineers, and medical staff. Major Morton says the team’s mix of capability is proving effective alongside Australia’s battle groups.
“We will begin as brigade reserve, but at times we’ll be detached to the infantry battle groups and the mounted battle groups, and the interchangeability of what we can do at speed is what they like to see,” Morton added. “We’re almost there, particularly around the communications, with a key emphasis on being able to talk to each other at speed.”
Signals Commander Lance Corporal Aaron Mulligan said the experience of working across allied forces had been a major step up.
“Being able to work with the Australians and with our signals liaison officer from Australia has been a fantastic opportunity,” he said. “It’s been a huge learning curve, but it’s really paid off.”
“Part of my job as the signals commander means I get to attend some of the rock drills and orders on that battle group or brigade level. And we have heard only good things about Combat Team Wolfpack.”
Bushmasters on the move
The exercise also marks the first time NZDF’s upgraded Bushmasters have been deployed overseas.
“So we have five Bushmasters here… newly introduced into service, the first time we’ve taken them overseas,” said Major Morton.
“They have typically a driver and a gunner… and depending on what variant, up to 10 pairs. It’s still a very relevant vehicle. Its ability to push forward at speed, get into the fight and actually be successful is still showing the Australians what versatility you can offer.”
Small force, big punch
For many of the Kiwi soldiers, Talisman Sabre is their first overseas deployment.
“It’s been crazy to see… the different capabilities that other forces have to offer,” said Lieutenant Courtney Maynard. “You’re just a small cog in the wheel… but there’s definitely a big sense of camaraderie.”
“We pack a bigger punch than people might anticipate because of our size. We’re just always willing to get the job done, get our hands dirty and do what we have to do.”
Whether it’s drone warfare, logistics coordination, or boots on the ground, the NZDF says its troops are proving they can not only show up but keep up.