US-led defence space initiative

New Zealand renews participation in US-led defence space initiative

New Zealand renewed its participation in the US-led Operation Olympic Defender for two years, extending the arrangement through August 2028. The multinational initiative improves space-domain awareness, information sharing, and protection of military space services alongside Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Wellington's decision maintains access to allied expertise and coordinated activities, but no new satellite purchase, permanent force commitment, or separately funded capability package accompanied the renewal. Renewal preserves New Zealand's role in an established coalition without creating a separate national military-space command or constellation.