- The New Zealand Defence Force signed a contract with SYOS to supply interoperable autonomous land, sea, and air uncrewed systems supported by training and technical services.
- The program focuses on structured experimentation and iterative development to advance multi-domain unmanned capabilities within NZDF modernization efforts.
The New Zealand Defence Force has signed a contract with UK–New Zealand company SYOS for a package of autonomous uncrewed land, sea, and air systems, the company announced, marking a step in the country’s effort to expand experimentation and operational development of unmanned technologies.
The agreement includes delivery of multiple autonomous platforms alongside technical services, training, and operational support for New Zealand military personnel.
According to SYOS, the multi-domain package will provide interoperable autonomous platforms capable of operating across maritime, aerial, and ground environments. The agreement also includes specialist support to the NZDF Capability Branch to enable “structured experimentation, evaluation, and development to advance uncrewed systems capability.”
New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins confirmed the intent behind the acquisition, stating: “Having cutting-edge drone technology developed and supported by local businesses will reduce supply chain risk and strengthen our resilience – exactly what the strategy is designed for.”
She added: “In an increasingly contested world, we’re building the future by equipping our Defence Force with innovative Kiwi products to keep our people safe.”
The contract includes a range of uncrewed systems designed for different operational roles. Maritime capabilities will feature SM300 autonomous boats intended for persistent missions and long-range endurance operations. Air systems will include the SA2 autonomous heavy-lift mini-copter configured for tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, as well as the SA7 one-way effector drone designed to deliver high-impact payload effects.
On land, the package includes the SG400 uncrewed ground vehicle, described as a heavy-duty autonomous platform intended to operate in difficult terrain while supporting precise ground operations.
As noted by SYOS, the systems are designed to function interoperably across domains while operating autonomously, allowing coordinated missions involving air, land, and maritime assets. The agreement also includes training and operational support services to ensure NZDF personnel can integrate and evaluate emerging technologies effectively.
SYOS Chief Executive Officer and founder Sam Vye said the company’s systems are built for demanding operational environments. “We’re delighted to support the New Zealand Defence Force and are well-positioned to support its strategic priorities. Our platforms and systems have been proven in some of the world’s most demanding environments, and we’re proud to bring that experience to New Zealand’s capability development.”
He added: “We deliver advanced uncrewed autonomy solutions across air, land, sea and subsurface domains—engineered for missions where reliability and performance are critical. Our expertise in hardware, uncrewed technologies, and AI-enabled autonomy ensures we can provide scalable, affordable, mission-ready solutions that deliver real operational advantage.”
Vye also highlighted the collaborative nature of the program, stating: “The NZDF’s programme of structured experimentation aligns strongly with how we operate – working shoulder to shoulder with customers and end users to develop solutions that move beyond traditional approaches, to tackle complex, real-world challenges. We are committed to contributing to the growth of New Zealand’s defence-technology ecosystem.”
Multi-domain autonomous systems allow military forces to distribute sensing, logistics, and strike capabilities across multiple platforms operating simultaneously. Autonomous coordination enables systems to share data and perform missions with reduced human workload while extending operational reach.
The NZDF approach emphasizes incremental capability development through experimentation rather than fixed long-term acquisition. This method allows forces to adapt technologies through iterative upgrades and testing cycles, integrating lessons learned during operational use.
The contract also reflects a broader trend among defense organizations adopting smaller-scale procurement models to test emerging technologies before committing to large production programs. The approach mirrors practices seen in recent conflicts where rapid adaptation and continuous upgrades have proven critical to operational effectiveness.
SYOS, founded in 2021 as a joint UK–New Zealand company, maintains research and production facilities in both countries, with maritime headquarters in Fareham near Portsmouth in the United Kingdom and an aviation base in Mount Maunganui on New Zealand’s North Island. The company also maintains an operational and support presence in Ukraine.