Australia and New Zealand to deepen integration of their armed forces
On 6 December 2024, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins signed an updated 'Joint Statement on Closer Defence Relationships', which aims to strengthen coordination, coherence and interoperability between the two countries' military structures.
Here's What We Know
The statement declares that the alliance between Australia and New Zealand is closer than ever, based on a shared history, deep people-to-people ties and common values. The formal expression of this alliance is the Canberra Pact of 1944, the ANZUS Treaty of 1951, and the 'Australia and New Zealand Joint Statement on Closer Defence Relationship', approved in 1991 and last updated in 2018.
The central element of military cooperation remains the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, which obliges the allies to provide mutual assistance in the event of an attack on one of the countries in the Pacific region. The new statement provides for additional commitments to enhance coordination, coherence and interoperability between armed forces.
To implement these commitments, five common goals have been identified: to promote collective security and maintain a rules-based global order; to increase the effectiveness of joint operations; to enhance interoperability; to support the sovereign security of the Pacific; and to improve defence industry cooperation.
Armoured vehicles of New Zealand. Illustration: New Zealand Ministry of Defence
The parties agreed to expand the rotation of New Zealand units in Australia and integrate the New Zealand Infantry Battlegroup into the Australian brigade. It is also planned to integrate New Zealand special operations task forces into similar Australian units.
In order to improve coordination between the air forces, it is planned to improve personnel training, expand personnel exchanges between the countries and intensify information exchange. The statement also emphasises the importance of exchanging senior officers in leadership positions to increase interoperability.
In addition, the parties will jointly implement new approaches to planning and make procurement decisions to enhance both logistical and operational interoperability. To promote cooperation between the defence industries, work is underway to remove barriers to the participation of defence industries in both countries in contracts for the supply of materiel and services.
Source: Australian Department of Defence
