The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the New Zealand Customs Service have today unveiled two new state-of-the-art uncrewed vessels - the first of this type of technology, to help combat transnational serious and organised crime.
Defence and Customs have acquired the two new Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs), to further enhance New Zealand's ability to patrol and protect its maritime interests and security.
The Minister of Customs, alongside Defence and Customs officials, conducted a naming ceremony at Devonport Naval Base this afternoon (15 April 2025). The USVs are named Tahi and Rua.
Built by Sydney-based Ocius Technologies, the USVs were purchased following a successful seven-month trial in 2024 during which a USV played a critical role in an operation to recover a steel box with seven kilograms of cocaine hidden in the hull of a commercial vessel heading to Auckland last April.
On 23 October 2024, Air Marshal Tony Davies, Chief of Defence Force, and Comptroller of Customs Christine Stevenson, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in a partnership to acquire the USVs.
Customs Deputy Chief Executive Operations Jamie Bamford says organised crime groups exploit the Pacific to smuggle drugs to New Zealand, and this additional capability helps us counter that threat and protect our coastline.
"New Zealand's maritime border faces growing threats from transnational serious and organised crime groups as they continue to focus on exploiting New Zealanders and undermining the integrity of the international supply chain and trade routes.
"By investing in new technology that enhances our ability to monitor New Zealand's vast maritime environment, and can operate at sea for extended periods, USVs represent a, practical, cost effective and future-ready capability to help protect New Zealand interests.
"These vessels enable Defence and Customs to monitor in real time. This live intelligence strengthens our ability to better understand situations and enforcement requirements and enable faster decision-making. This allows Customs, Defence and our agency partners to respond more effectively," says Mr Bamford.
Royal New Zealand Navy's Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Shane Arndell said the USVs are an important part of the Defence Force's move towards smarter, more sustainable surveillance methods.
"From the outset, the success of the USV trials has come down to strong cooperation across agencies. The technology gives us a clearer maritime picture and helps improve safety and security in challenging environments.
"The addition of Tahi and Rua to the fleet will extend our reach and maintain a persistent watch over our waters and further afield."
