Latest from Defence

Official 'executed by flame-thrower'

A North Korean official has been executed with a flame-thrower, South Korean media has reported.

Top cop marks first day with Roast Busters assurance

New Air Force chief named

Air Commodore Mike Yardley will be the new Chief of Air Force, when Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell leaves the Defence Force next month after a distinguished 41-year career.

Majority accept Bush as top cop

A eulogy in support of a shamed detective was enough to make a senior police officer unfit for the job of commissioner, according to 31 per cent of Herald-DigiPoll respondents.

Half a century of service

With two grandfathers gassed in the trenches of the Great War, and a father who battled Nazis at El Alamein, Rick Ottaway never consciously made a career choice.

Australia plans drone patrols

Australia is set to outlay billions of dollars on new long-range drones, maritime patrol aircraft and stealth fighters despite plans to slash federal spending.

Peter Bromhead: Paranoia increase

My paranoia levels have increased dramatically since I read a confidential Defence Force security manual, carelessly left on my city bus seat.

SAS interpreters win NZ reprieve

Six Afghan interpreters who worked alongside Victoria Cross holder Willie Apiata and other New Zealand SAS soldiers will be resettled in New Zealand.

Dead soldier's family angry at army

The family of dead soldier Rory Malone claim the Defence Force have treated them like 'second-class' citizens and the insensitive handling of his funeral arrangements caused them unnecessary stress.

Defence suicide rate on the rise

Two defence staff killed themselves and seven others attempted to do so in the past year.

Veterans 'callously' treated

Two brothers seriously injured in botched Defence Force exercises believe New Zealand's service personnel are being hung out to dry by the country's law makers.

New claim spies may have snapped Maddie

A military expert believes Madeleine McCann's abductor might have been caught on camera by a spy plane on a training exercise for Nato.

Sir Peter Blake Trust: Andy Grant

Without a doubt commanding the Anzac class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha. Being appointed to lead such a great team and represent New Zealand was an amazing privilege.

'Blood money' offer a bad look - Key

The offer of money made to the Pike River families by the mine's former boss doesn't look good, Prime Minister John Key says.

SAS soldier can keep army job

An SAS soldier has been fined $4700 at a court martial in Auckland this afternoon for stealing service property, but can remain in the Army.

'Poor' SAS soldiers used discarded US gear, court martial told

A staff sergeant in the SAS has told a court martial about how surplus United States military equipment, including a truck, was used by New Zealand armed forces in Afghanistan.