NEW ZEALAND HAS ALLOCATED APPROXIMATELY $113 MILLION TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILISATION OF A NETWORK OF US MILITARY SATELLITES, ACCORDING TO OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.
For the past 12 years, New Zealand has depended on the Wideband Global Satellite Communications system, a project spearheaded by Boeing and managed by the Pentagon. This network serves the US and several of its allies.
According to a report in state media, recent demands from the US have prompted allied nations to contribute more financially. In response, New Zealand has committed an additional $15 million for the launch of two advanced satellites, expanding the network to 12 satellites.
Additionally, New Zealand contributes over $1 million annually for operational costs.
A report from April, disclosed under the Official Information Act, indicates that New Zealand’s total spend on the network have reached $113 million since 2012. Of this total, $83 million was paid initially in 2012 for access to the then 10-satellite network.
The briefing also highlighted the New Zealand Defence Force’s plans to enhance the country’s modest space capabilities. This includes potential investments in both vertical and horizontal launch platforms and other facilities to support the testing and development of unmanned aerial vehicles, rockets, and related technologies.
A spokesperson from the Defence Force told state media that the upcoming Defence Capability Plan, which outlines potential space-related investments up to the year 2040, will soon be presented to the defence minister.