New Zealand-developed drones will be trialled by the NZDF to strengthen capability while growing local industry, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced on 24 February. The contract has been awarded to Syos Aerospace, founded four years ago in Mount Maunganui and now recognised internationally in unmanned systems.

The trial involves air, land, and sea drones, including the SG400 Unmanned Ground Vehicle, the SM300 Unmanned Surface Vessel, the SA2 ISR drone, and the SA7 drone. The Army and Navy will test these in scenarios such as supply transport, maritime patrols, and reconnaissance. Syos Aerospace will also provide technical services, training, and operational support for the integration of these technologies.

The SG400 is a 6×6 unmanned ground vehicle carrying up to 400 kg over a 200 km range for cargo and ISR missions. The SM300 does the same on water, a multi-role unmanned vessel with a 300 kg payload operating out to 650 nautical miles in Sea State 5, with the ability to launch UAVs and UUVs from the platform. Two aerial drones complete the family: the SA2 for multi-domain ISR with a stabilised 3-axis EO/IR payload, and the SA7, which at 35 minutes of flight time and 7 kg payload can also be reconfigured as a one-way effector. Some of these models have seen operational use in Ukraine.

“Having cutting-edge drone technology developed and supported by local businesses will reduce supply chain risk and strengthen our resilience. In an increasingly contested world, we’re building the future by equipping our Defence Force with innovative Kiwi products to keep our people safe,” Collins said.

SYOS CEO and founder Sam Vye said the company was well-positioned to support the NZDF’s 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.”