Following its £30m drone deal with the UK Government, the Mount Maunganui startup is adding new uncrewed vehicles and tripling its local staff. Video \ Jason Dorday
The Government has indicated it wants a bigger role for local industry in producing military equipment.
Ministers and military leaders are today launching the new Defence Industry Strategy.
Associate Minister of Defence Chris Penk said the plan would encourage the NZDF and local innovators to team up in showcasing NewZealand–made equipment and services to partners.
Chris Penk and Judith Collins at the Defence Force's Tamaki Leadership Centre today. Photo / Dean Purcell
He said practical steps included requiring multinationals to set out plans for working with local companies on major defence equipment.
The strategy is expected to be launched at the Whangaparāoa NZ Defence Force training centre this afternoon.
Minister of Defence Judith Collins said drone manufacturer Syos Aerospace was a good example of the collaboration the new plan sought to foster.
She said Syos was already working on research and development with the Defence Force.
Sam Vye, founder and chief executive of the Mount Maunganui start-up, said the strategy would help the local tech ecosystem support national security and earn export dollars.
Vye said he was enthusiastic about the Government’s intention to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, NZDF, industry, academia and allies.
Syos said it employed 100 engineers and could produce 40 state-of-the-art uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) a month.
Collins said she recently visited Ukraine, where she saw the importance of agile and collaborative product development to meet fast-changing modern battlefield realities.
“We must build resilience in our supply chains, so we are less affected by events outside of our control,” she added.
A drone from Bay of Plenty start-up Syos at the new Defence Industry Strategy launch. Photo / Dean Purcell
In April, the Government published the Defence Capability Plan 2025.
The Ministry of Defence said the current strategic environment required the NZDF and industry to become more resilient and innovative, while delivering value for money.
The strategy had been expected to cover issues including the NZDF’s relationship with the emerging tech sector, and joint industry integration with Australia.
The plan was designed with a 15-year horizon but also focused on critical investments in the next four years.
It said New Zealand faced its most challenging and dangerous strategic environment for decades.
Russia’s war against Ukraine, ongoing Middle East tensions and growing Indo-Pacific strategic competition were cited as major risks.
