The Strategic Defence Policy statement launched by New Zealand’s Defence Minister Ron Mark on 6 July has brought together a foreign policy-led assessment of threats and priorities for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
It has two main aims. Firstly, the policy states the NZDF must be capable of operating in South Pacific, Southern Ocean and Antarctic areas to manage the impact of climate change and improve security.
Secondly it must be able to work alongside allies in areas beyond the Asia-Pacific region, and contribute to maintaining the international rules-based order.
The statement highlighted China’s growing influence in the region
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The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
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