New Zealand will spend nearly US$1 billion on drones, ship maintenance, and naval upgrades to enhance its maritime security amidst concerns over supply routes. Investments include long-duration surveillance drones and polar-capable vehicles.

New Zealand intends to spend about NZ$1.6 billion (US$936 million) on drones, ship maintenance and naval upgrades to bolster the island nation’s maritime security at a time of increasing concern about supply routes. Defence Minister Chris Penk said on Saturday that the government would invest in two types of drones: one for the southwest Pacific to provide long-duration intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and the other a polar-capable vehicle that could operate from naval vessels in.....