Overview

• New Zealand will extend its participation in Operation Interflex, training Ukrainian troops, through the end of 2025 as part of its ongoing support for Ukraine.
• The UK announces a £30 million contract with SYOS Aerospace, a New Zealand-owned company, to supply advanced drones, supporting both Ukraine and UK manufacturing jobs.
• The Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha will join the UK Carrier Strike Group for deployment to the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing joint security efforts.
• Starmer and Luxon have instructed defence ministers to draft a new agreement modernizing the 2015 UK-New Zealand defence partnership to address evolving global security dynamics.
• Bilateral trade discussions aim to deepen economic ties, leveraging existing agreements like the Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.