SYDNEY, July 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand plans to purchase long-range one-way strike drones with a preference for local suppliers, Defence Minister Chris Penk said on Wednesday, as it looks to boost local manufacturers and bolster defence capability.
The government also plans to begin research on unarmed long-range uncrewed aircraft for maritime surveillance, with New Zealand businesses encouraged to respond to both requests.
• One-way strike drones are human-operated systems that deliver an explosive to a target without returning to their launch point, offering a lower-cost alternative to missiles.
• The Defence Force's operating budget is NZ$2.6 billion ($1.50 billion), more than 80% of which is already spent within New Zealand.
• Penk said New Zealand industry has expertise in advanced manufacturing, digital technologies and uncrewed systems, with a growing number of firms developing drone and simulation technologies.
($1 = 1.7301 New Zealand dollars)
(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
