New Zealand Establishes First Space Squadron to Enhance Intelligence Cooperation
According to 'Defense News', the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has established its first dedicated space unit, the 62nd Space Squadron, at Whenuapai RNZAF Base. The squadron will oversee the management of space assets and monitoring missions to enhance national and regional security.
The report notes that New Zealand had previously formed a task force to manage space assets, and due to the increasing importance of the space domain, it has joined the U.S.-led 'Olympic Defender Initiative' this year, collaborating with six nations including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, and Australia to establish an information-sharing mechanism.
The squadron will initially consist of 15 personnel who will monitor and analyze space dynamics, with plans to expand in the future and collaborate with industry and academia to ensure effective use of space assets and to counter potential threats.
