New Zealand Defence Force to receive 121 new support vehicles

New Zealand approved NZD 59.915 million, about $33.5 million, to acquire 121 support vehicles for the New Zealand Defence Force. The package comprises 61 Daimler Unimog trucks, 24 Mitsubishi Triton utility vehicles and 36 Ford Tourneo Sport minibuses, replacing ageing vehicles used for training, garrison duties and domestic support. Deliveries are scheduled to begin later in 2026, while the funding also covers four years of operating support, maintenance equipment, seating pods, winches, radios and project-management costs. The Unimog trucks will be sourced from Europe, while the utility vehicles and minibuses will be procured from New Zealand-based companies, with maintenance of all vehicles contracted locally.