New Zealand Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 71st
MPR SCORE: 454
MPR Index: 0.1722 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.7845 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: +0.011 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
New Zealand ranks 71st in the 2025 Military Power Rankings (MPR). The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is a small but highly professional force, emphasizing national defense, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. Comprising the New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, and Royal New Zealand Air Force, the NZDF operates within a defense strategy centered on regional stability, alliance cooperation, and non-nuclear principles.
Recent strategic shifts have prompted significant investments in modernization and capability enhancement, aiming to address emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1
Strengths: Professionalism, Regional Engagement, and Modernization Initiatives
Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Operations: New Zealand has a longstanding commitment to international peacekeeping, participating in over 40 missions across more than 25 countries since 1948. The NZDF is recognized for its collaborative and respectful approach in diverse cultural settings. MFAT
Strategic Modernization Efforts: In response to evolving global tensions, the New Zealand government has announced a NZ$12 billion defense capability plan over the next four years, aiming to double defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2032–33. This includes investments in new maritime helicopters, cyber security enhancements, and the establishment of a space squadron. Reuters+4Reuters+4RNZ+4
Alliance and Regional Cooperation: New Zealand maintains strong defense relationships with allies, notably Australia and the United States. It is exploring collaboration under the non-nuclear Pillar II of the AUKUS agreement, focusing on advanced military technologies. Wikipedia+1Reuters+1
Why New Zealand Is Still Ranked Just 71st
1. Limited Force Size and Combat Capabilities
The NZDF's small size constrains its ability to project power independently.
Approximately 15,000 active personnel across all branches.
Absence of combat jet aircraft since the disbandment of the air combat force in 2001.
Naval forces primarily consist of two Anzac-class frigates and several patrol vessels, limiting blue-water operational capacity.Wikipedia
2. Dependence on Foreign Support for Advanced Capabilities
New Zealand relies heavily on international partnerships for defense technology and support.
Procurement of major platforms, such as the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, is sourced from foreign suppliers.
Limited domestic defense industry hampers self-sufficiency in maintenance and logistics.
3. Strategic Focus on Non-Offensive Posture
New Zealand's defense policy emphasizes non-offensive capabilities and regional stability.
Commitment to a nuclear-free stance restricts certain strategic options.
Focus on peacekeeping and humanitarian missions over power projection limits influence in broader strategic contexts.
Conclusion
New Zealand's defense force is characterized by professionalism and a strong commitment to regional and international stability through peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. Recent modernization initiatives signal a strategic shift to address emerging security challenges. However, in the context of the MPR—which emphasizes autonomous warfighting capacity, force size, and power projection—New Zealand ranks 71st, reflecting its limited combat capabilities and reliance on international partnerships for advanced military technologies.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 9,500 (IISS 2023)
Reserve Personnel: 3,500 (CIA World Factbook)
Paramilitary Forces: 4,500 (Police and other internal security forces)
Army Personnel: 4,000
Navy Personnel: 2,500
Air Force Personnel: 3,000
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): None
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 105+
Artillery (Towed and Self-Propelled): 25+
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: None (rely on joint exercises with Australia)
Helicopters: 30+
Transport Aircraft: 10+
Aircraft Breakdown:
NH90 Helicopters: 9 (utility helicopters)
C-130 Hercules: 5 (transport aircraft)
Naval Forces
New Zealand’s naval force is modern but relatively small. It plays a crucial role in regional security and humanitarian missions, particularly in the South Pacific. The navy conducts maritime surveillance, patrols the country’s exclusive economic zone, and supports disaster relief efforts.
Frigates: 2 (Anzac-class)
Patrol Vessels: 6+
Amphibious Assault Ships: 1
Fast Attack Craft: None
Missile Capabilities
New Zealand does not possess advanced missile systems, nor does it have any nuclear capabilities. The country’s defense strategy is based on cooperation with allies, and the NZDF does not maintain any offensive missile systems.
Strategic Partnerships
New Zealand has strong defense relationships with Australia, the United States, and other Five Eyes nations (UK, Canada). Its defense policy is heavily reliant on these partnerships, and it engages in frequent military exercises with its allies. New Zealand’s role in international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions is an essential part of its global military engagement.
Military History & Combat Experience
New Zealand’s military history reflects its evolution from a colonial auxiliary force to an independent, professional military deeply engaged in global peacekeeping and regional security. Though small in scale, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has participated in nearly every major 20th-century conflict alongside allies and has earned a reputation for discipline, interoperability, and cultural sensitivity.
World Wars I and II (1914–1945): New Zealand played a significant role in both World Wars as part of the British Commonwealth. In World War I, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force fought at Gallipoli, on the Western Front, and in the Middle East, earning international respect for valor and endurance. During World War II, New Zealand deployed forces to the North African campaign, the Italian Front, and the Pacific, maintaining one of the highest per-capita mobilization rates of any Allied nation.
Korean War and Vietnam (1950s–1970s): New Zealand sent combat troops to the Korean War as part of UN Command and deployed artillery, engineers, and SAS personnel to the Vietnam War, often serving alongside Australian units. These experiences shaped New Zealand’s expeditionary doctrine and alliance integration, particularly with the U.S. and Australia.
Peacekeeping and Regional Security (1980s–Present): Since the 1980s, New Zealand has focused increasingly on UN and multilateral peacekeeping missions. NZDF deployments have included Bosnia, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, and Solomon Islands, often in reconstruction, stabilization, or training roles. New Zealand also led the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in the 2000s, playing a pivotal leadership role in Pacific peacekeeping.
Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Missions: The NZDF is regularly deployed for disaster response across the Pacific. Operations have included tsunami relief in Samoa, earthquake response in Christchurch and Nepal, and cyclone assistance in Tonga and Vanuatu. The NZDF's airlift, medical, and engineering capabilities have proven critical in humanitarian crises.
Recent Strategic Engagements: While New Zealand has not engaged in major combat in recent decades, it has contributed personnel to coalition operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and South Sudan, often in advisory or logistics support roles. The NZDF continues to adapt its doctrine to include cyber defense, maritime domain awareness, and regional engagement strategies in the face of rising Indo-Pacific tensions.
New Zealand’s military experience is defined by global coalition participation, peacekeeping leadership, and a principled defense posture rooted in professionalism, multilateralism, and national values. While it does not project conventional military power, the NZDF’s reputation as a reliable and effective force in peace and crisis operations remains one of its strongest assets.
General Information
New Zealand
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~5.3 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~1.7 million
Geographic Area: 268,838 km²
Land Boundaries: 0 km
Bordering Countries: None (island nation)
Coastline: 15,134 km
Climate: Temperate; maritime with regional variation
Terrain: Mountainous with vast coastal plains and volcanic features
Natural Resources: Natural gas, iron ore, coal, gold, timber, arable land, hydropower
Proven Oil Reserves: ~150 million barrels
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~2.2 trillion cubic feet
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$3.9 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~1.4%
GDP (PPP): ~$260 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$48,000
External Debt: ~$140 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Steady; focused on maritime security and regional presence
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: Maritime domain awareness, regional peacekeeping, humanitarian response
Military Industry Base: Limited; maintenance, refit, and basic systems integration
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Developing; aligned with Five Eyes
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state; nuclear-free policy)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Joint Forces HQ; North and South Island commands
Missile Inventory Highlights: Short-range air-to-air, naval torpedoes, no strategic missile force
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate readiness; 30–60 days
Reservist Force Size: ~2,300
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Active commercial space sector (Rocket Lab); no military satellites
Military Satellite Inventory: None; relies on Five Eyes intelligence
Intelligence Infrastructure: New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB)
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: Five Eyes, Pacific security forums
Airports (Total): ~123
Major Military Airports: Ohakea AB, Whenuapai AB
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~60 vessels
Major Ports: Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Lyttelton
Naval Infrastructure: Moderate; ANZAC frigates, OPVs, replenishment vessels
Naval Replenishment Capability: Regional; relies on HMNZS Aotearoa
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~4,000 km
Roadways: ~94,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: ~30,000 barrels/day
Energy Imports: Partial importer; large domestic renewable generation
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintains reserves in compliance with IEA
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Maintenance, small arms, naval refit (e.g., Devonport Dockyard)
Military Installations (Domestic): Bases in Auckland, Waiouru, Burnham, Ohakea
Military Installations (Overseas): Peacekeeping forces in South Pacific and UN missions
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: Australia and U.S. cooperation only
Defense Alliances: ANZUS (defunct), Five Eyes, regional pacts with Australia and Pacific nations
Strategic Airlift Capability: C-130H, C-130J on order, Boeing 757
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Limited; reliant on allied logistics
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Modest; focused on naval systems and communications
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Meridian (energy), KiwiRail, Air New Zealand (transport), logistics firms
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Wellington
Founding Date: September 26, 1907 (Dominion status); 1947 full sovereignty
System of Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
