The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and the New Zealand Customs Service have unveiled and named two new unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to help combat transnational serious and organised crime.
The two agencies have acquired the USVs to further enhance New Zealand’s ability to patrol and protect its maritime interests and security.
The USVs were purchased following a successful seven-month trial last year. The craft were formally named Tahi and Rua during a ceremony at Devonport Naval Base on Tuesday, April 15.
The NZDF said that, during the trial, a USV played a critical role in an operation to recover a steel box with seven kg of cocaine hidden on the hull of a commercial vessel heading to Auckland.
The 7.4-metre USVs use solar, wind or wave motion to power their monitoring systems and propulsion. Each craft has a top speed of five knots and can operate at sea for a significant period of time before returning to shore.
The craft's sensors include radar and electro-optic and infrared cameras.
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 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 Zealand and undermining the integrity of the international supply chain and trade routes," said Bamford.
"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’s interests."
"The technology gives us a clearer maritime picture and helps improve safety and security in challenging environments," added Commodore Shane Arndell, NZDF Maritime Component Commander.