New Zealand Defence Force to receive 121 new support vehicles

The NZDF is procuring 61 Daimler Unimog trucks to replace part of its ageing domestic support vehicle fleet. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The New Zealand government has approved a NZD59.915 million (USD33.5 million) investment to procure 121 support vehicles for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 8 October.

The MoD said the acquisition comprises 61 Daimler Unimog trucks, 24 Mitsubishi Triton utility vehicles, and 36 Ford Tourneo Sport minibuses. The procurement is intended to replace a portion of the ageing garrison and training support vehicle fleet at camps and bases across New Zealand.

Deliveries of the commercial off-the-shelf vehicles are scheduled to begin in phases later in 2026, the MoD added.

According to the MoD, the vehicles are intended to be deployed to support domestic training, logistics, and emergency response operations.

Sarah Minson, the deputy secretary of capability delivery, said the acquisition was required in part because the NZDF's existing Unimog fleet is now more than 40 years old and becoming increasingly unreliable.

“In an increasingly challenging domestic environment, with more frequent and severe weather events, it is critical we equip the NZDF personnel deployed on challenging humanitarian and disaster relief missions with vehicles that are reliable, fit-for-purpose and safe,” Minson added.

The MoD said that the utility vehicles, minibuses, and communications equipment are being procured from New Zealand-based companies, while the Unimog trucks will be sourced from Europe. Maintenance of all vehicles will be contracted to local companies.

Funding for the programme was allocated under the 2025 defence budget and includes four years of operating funding. In addition to vehicle procurement, the allocation covers maintenance, seating pods, winches, commercial radios, project management, and other supporting equipment.