The Defence Capability Plan 2019 sets out the indicative planned investments in the New Zealand Defence Force out to 2030, while further identifying potential investments to be made after 2030. Delivering on these investments will provide the Defence Force with the capabilities required to give effect to the Government’s policy intentions, outlined in the Strategic Defence Policy Statement 2018.

The Defence Capability Plan 2019 has been jointly prepared by the Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force. A broad range of other Government agencies have provided input and assurance. This Capability Plan builds on earlier versions, including the Defence Capability Plan 2016, incorporating changes necessary to deliver the Strategic Defence Policy Statement 2018.

The planned investments signalled here maintain the $20 billion programme of capital investment out to 2030, while improving the overall ability of the Defence Force to respond to the strategic environment. Furthermore, for the first time potential investments have been identified to provide for the next generation change to the Defence Force, beginning in 2030. These initiatives, informed by long-term planning and development, will be explored in detail in the Defence White Paper planned for 2022.