WWII squadron resurrected as NZ's first dedicated space unit
Collins announced that No. 62 Squadron — which supported allied efforts in the war through radar technology before disbanding in October of 1944 — would have a new mission: Space domain awareness.
"The squadron's initial focus will be on monitoring, analysing, and understanding space activity to safeguard national and international interests," Collins said.
She said global developments had highlighted the need for "resilient, advanced defence capabilities".
"This move is part of the work the New Zealand Defence Force is doing to maintain a combat-capable, flexible force."
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Collins said the new unit showed New Zealand's commitment to protecting its interests and security in the "rapidly evolving" space domain.
"Space is vital for modern life. We rely on space-based infrastructure for a range of critical services, from weather observation to financial transactions.
"This is an important signal that we're taking space security seriously"'
The reactivation was part of the Government's Defence Capability Plan, which outlined $12 billion of commitments to upgrade New Zealand's defence force over the next four years.
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WWII squadron resurrected as NZ's first dedicated space unit
Defence Minister Judith Collins has announced a dormant Air Force squadron from WWII will become the Defence Force's first dedicated space unit. Collins announced that No. 62 Squadron — which supported allied efforts in the war through radar technology before disbanding in October of 1944 — would have a new mission: Space domain awareness. "The squadron's initial focus will be on monitoring, analysing, and understanding space activity to safeguard national and international interests," Collins said. She said global developments had highlighted the need for "resilient, advanced defence capabilities". "This move is part of the work the New Zealand Defence Force is doing to maintain a combat-capable, flexible force." ADVERTISEMENT Collins said the new unit showed New Zealand's commitment to protecting its interests and security in the "rapidly evolving" space domain. "Space is vital for modern life. We rely on space-based infrastructure for a range of critical services, from weather observation to financial transactions. "This is an important signal that we're taking space security seriously"' The reactivation was part of the Government's Defence Capability Plan, which outlined $12 billion of commitments to upgrade New Zealand's defence force over the next four years.
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Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone The Royal New Zealand Air Force has established its first dedicated space unit, within a squadron that hasn't been active since World War II. The No. 62 Squadron - which originally supported Allied operations with radar technology during World War II - was reactivated today at a formal ceremony at the RNZAF Base Auckland. Defence Minister Judith Collins said it reflected the government's commitment to protecting the country's interests and security in the "rapidly evolving space domain." "Space is vital for modern life. We rely on space-based infrastructure for a range of critical services, from weather observation to financial transactions. "This is an important signal that we're taking space security seriously." The unit's initial focus will be on monitoring, analysing, and understanding space activity to "safeguard national and international interests," she said. "Recent global developments have highlighted the need for resilient, advanced defence capabilities." Collins said this was part of the work the Defence Force is doing to maintain a "combat-capable, flexible" force. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
